Two methods are widely used in stability checking of gravity quay: limit state method with single factor, probability-based limit state method expressed with partial safety factors. The first method is replied in Design and Construction Code for Gravity Quay (1987) and BS 6349(1988), the second in Design and Construction Code for Gravity Quay (2009) and BS 6349 (2010). The calculation difference on overturning and anti-slide are compared between Chinese code and Britain new and old revision standard. The comparison is further detailed by taking a typical gravity block wharf as an example, so as to offer reference for the design of gravity block structure in foreign projects.