The modality analysis method is employed in this paper to study the influence of mass distribution on dynamic characteristics of a spindle system. It is found that there exist obvious difference between the influences of different mass distribution on the natural frequencies . and modality flexbilities of various order-mode. It is shown that the proportion of modality flexbility in the astatic flexbility can be equilibrated by means of adjusting correctly the mass distribution of the spindle system so that the cutting stability is improved as well. Experiment results are quoted to confirm, in a certain degree, the conclusion above.