The performance of the latest sheetfed offset press inking system was analyzed in five key performance indicators. The plate cylinder and blanket cylinder's gap was taken into account in calculating ink transfer rate, and a calculation example was showed in detail. Some rules of inking system design were obtained, through analysis of five main indicators from selected nine offset press inking system. The purpose was to provide reference for inking system design and keeping tract of the latest developments of offset inking system.