Based on characteristics of hysteretic energy of structures which are simplified single freedom degree systems and under the short duration impulse modle mid duration and long duration modle earthquakes, correlation between the maximum hysteretic energy increment per cycle and the maximum inelastic displacement of different structures is investigated. Simplified equations to estimate the maximum inelastic displacement are obtained. The validity of the equation is recognized. It is pointed out that the impact destroy of the structures may occur when energy increment per cycleis 50 80 percent of total hysteretic energy, and the maximum hysteretic energy increment per cycle, and that the maximum inelastic displacement can be used to evaluate aseismic capacity.If energy increment per cycleis small relative to total hysteretic energy, the destroy of the structures by cumulate dissipation energy may occur, and the total hysteretic energy can be used to evaluate aseismic capacity.