In view of the question about larger estimate error in arid areas by using the Thornthwaite method of estimating potential evaporation in the process of calculating standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index, we use the FAO Penman-Monteith method instead of Thornthwaite method to improve the method of calculating the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index. Based on the 1961-2013 daily meteorological data offered by 541 stations of Meteorology Bureau, the distribution of test and standardized rainfall index, Palmer drought severity index and soil moisture are used to analyze the consistency with standardized rainfall evaporation index when used to evaluate drought in the applicability of area and season. Result shows that the improvement on the method of evaporation capacity calculation can significantly expand the application of standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index in area and season, making standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index applied to national drought assessment well, making up the shortcomings in the applicability of standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index in winter at a short time scale level in arid region. In addition, both yearly time scale and monthly time scale of drought assessment ability about modified standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index are improved, meeting the demand for drought assessment in our country, which is given priority to seasonal drought.