Abstract: In order to improve the assessment method for ripening holding ability of flue-cured tobacco leaves, a quantitative assessment based on the output value of tobacco leaves was proposed via a field experiment. The method was verified by using cv. K326 and Yunyan 87 as experimental materials, and the chemical compositions and sensory quality of tobacco leaves at harvest stage were analyzed. The results showed that the ripening holding ability of middle and upper leaves of K326 and Yunyan 87 was better, and that of lower leaves was ordinary. The ripening holding ability of lower and middle leaves of K326 was better than that of Yunyan 87, while it was opposite for upper leaves. The ripening holding ability for tobacco leaves from different stalk positions were in the order of upper leaves > middle leaves > lower leaves for both K326 and Yunyan 87. Within the ripe harvesting stage, there was no significant variation in chemical composition and sensory quality in middle and upper leaves of K326 and Yunyan 87, therefore harvesting delaying within the ripe harvesting stage would not affect the sensory quality of leaves. In conclusion, the proposed assessment method for ripening holding ability based on the output values of tobacco leaves is accurate, reliable, suitable for quantifying the ripening holding ability of flue-cured tobacco leaves.