OBJECTIVE To analyze the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in Kazakh population, using the NCEP-ATPIII, CDS, IDF MS standards. METHODS Questionnaire-based survey, physical examination and blood testing were conducted according to cluster random samplings in Kazakh residents in Xinjiang. 2745 samples were collected and diagnosed by NCEP-ATPIII, CDS, IDF standards to analyze the prevalence, with the distribution of its main components of MS, among the Kazakhs population. RESULTS The prevalence rates of MS diagnosed by NCEP-ATPIII, CDS, IDF standards were 18.5%, 14.2% and 26.6%, while they became 14.2%, 10.9% and 20.1% after standardized by age. The prevalence of MS diagnosed by NCEP-ATPIII and IDF standard in males were higher than in females, while CDS was in the opposite situation. The prevalence of MS by these three standards increased with age. Among all the main components of MS diagnosed after these three standardization process, the prevalence of obesity, blood pressure rising and the abnormity of HDL-C were rather high. The prevalence of MS main components ≥ 1, ≥ 2, ≥ 3, ≥ 4, 5 ranked the highest compared to the lowest as to the IDF, ATPIII' and CDS diagnostic. standards CONCLUSIONS The prevalence rates and gender distribution of MS diagnosed by different standards among Kazakhs were different. The prevalence of IDF standard was the highest, with the IDF standard better than the others in early identifying the risk factors of cardiovascular disease.