Abstract: The selection of parameter of single pile settlement can be obtained more easily than the one of pile group. That means, if single pile settlement can be used to estimate pile group settlement, the problem will be easier. The settlement of single pile consists of compressive deformation of pile stem and settlement of pile tip. The compressive deformation of pile stem is calculated by adopting hypothesis of linear-elasticity and settlement of single pile tip is calculated by layerwise summation method. Furthermore, in the process of calculating pile group settlement, the method pays attention to the contribution made by compressive deformation of pile stem. Meanwhile, additional stress of pile tip is obtained by multiplying average stress under platform and coefficient of load transfer. According to similarities and differences of the method of calculating settlement between single pile and pile group, it shows a new way of calculation, which is single pile settlement estimates pile group settlement. This method can makes it easier choose parameter and do calculation. The last part of this paper introduces the application of the new way in calculating the pile foundation settlement of bridge project.