Abstract: The correlation between intensity measures (IM) for pulse-like earthquake ground motions and nonlinear deformation demand of single-degree-freedom-systems (SDOF) is researched, and the efficiency of IM is described. Based on dynamic time analysis of SDOF systems subjected to 72 pulse-like ground motions, this work investigates the variation trend of the correlation coefficient between IM for pulse-like ground motions and maximum nonlinear deformation demand of SDOF with the constant-ductility or constant strength system setting. Linear regression analyses are performed on these results to identify the efficiency of peak ground velocity (PGV) and spectral acceleration (Sa(T1)), which is used as IM for pulse-like ground motion. The study shows that IM of pulse-like ground motions depend distinctly on the system period, ductility levels and strength reduction factors have important influence on the correlation and dispersion, and Sa(T1)and PGV are relatively the good IM for pulse-like ground motion.