Settling (falling) velocity, which is a sensitive and fundamental parameter for each sedimentary researcher, determines the vertical dynamics of sediment and the near-bed deposition flux directly, and its accurate determination has been regarded as a top priority in improving numerical models and understanding of fine sediment transport. During the past studies, hundreds of empirical or semi-empirical formulae are proposed by different laboratory experiments, in-situ observations or theoretical analysis. Even though, it’s also very hard for the engineers to choose a suitable and self-confident varied or definite value of fine sediment velocity. Based on extensive domestic and abroad literature study, we present a review on the topic of methods, factors and empirical formulae of the fine sediment settling velocity.