Abstract The effective microwave refractive index (Nm) of traveling wave electrode is an important parameter in the designing of LiNbO3 electro-optic modulator. A method for mea-kiring Nm is proposed in this paper. The probe frames, microwave probe and three kinds of sample CPW electrodes used in this method are designed and fabricated. The experimental results of Nm in CPW traveling-wave electrode are given. Finally, the errors of the measurement are analyzed.