The effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with molecular weight of 400, 4000, 6000 and 12000 on nucleation and growth of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) was investigated, respectively, in aqueous solution by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and atomic absorption spectrum (AAS). All the four PEG molecules can inhibit the nucleation and growth of COM crystals. As the molecular weight of PEG decreased, its coordinating capability with Ca2+ions increased. It made its activity to inhibit the nucleation and growth of COM gradually increased and at last the concentration of soluble Ca in the solution increased. The {010} of COM crystals was strengthened and that of {1-01} face was weakened as the molecular weight of PEG decreased or the concentration of PEG increased.