The hydrolysis efficiency of excess sludge by the two surfactants (SDS and SDBS) was investigated according to COD dissolution rate, concentrations of soluble carbohydrate and soluble protein. The results showed that the hydrolysis of excess sludge was improved by using the two surfactants. When the dosage was in low range, SCOD concentration increased significantly with dosage increasing. But the increase of SCOD was not obvious when the dosage was higher than 50 mg/g dw. SCOD concentration increased from 638.5 mg/L to 6 446.8 mg/L (SDBS) and 4 857.2 mg/L (SDS) respectively. COD dissolution rate increased from 5.8% to 37.3%(SDBS) and 30.2%(SDS) respectively. With the increase of SDS and SDBS dosage in the range of 0~150 mg/g dw, the concentrations of the soluble protein and carbohydrate increased linearly. Soluble carbohydrate increased from 3.54 mg/L to 95.56 mg/L(SDBS) and 64.20 mg/L(SDS) respectively. Soluble protein concentration increased from 11.72 mg/L to 706.30 mg/L(SDBS) and 541.08 mg/L(SDS) respectively. The concentrations of ammonia and VFA also increased with the SDS and SDBS dosage. Ammonia concentrations increased from 4.21 mg/L to 130.33 mg/L(SDBS) and 102.74 mg/L(SDS) respectively. VFA concentrations increased from 21.27 mg/L to 358.30 mg/L(SDBS) and 283.12 mg/L(SDS) respectively.