Time domain reflectometry (TDR) technology is an ideal cable length measurement method. The traveling wave propagation velocity is the key to the measuring accuracy of the TDR cable length measurement system. The cable crimp levels effect on traveling wave propagation velocity is analyzed theoretically, and the corresponding experiment is done. The experimental results are match to the theoretical analysis. The experimental results show that the law of the traveling wave propagation velocity influenced by cable crimp levels is different for different types of cable, however, as long as the cable state under test is uniformed, the velocity error can be controlled in a small range. Therefore the measuring accuracy of the TDR cable length measurement system is ensured.