Aim To analyse the influence of knowledge base on the performance of the fuzzy controller of the electrohydraulic position control system,and to determine their selection cri- teria. Methods Experiments based on different membership functions,scaling factors and con-trol rules were done separately.The experiment results and the influence of different know- ledge base on the control performance were analysed in theory so that criteria of selcting knowledge base can be summarized correctly.Results Knowledge base,including membershipfunctions, scaling factors and control rules,has a crucial effect on the fuzzy control system.Suitably selected knowledge base can lead to good control performance of fuzzy control sys-tem. Conclusion Being symmetric,having an intersection ratio of 1 and satisfying width con- dition are three necessities for selecting membership functions.Selecting scaling factors dependson both the system requirement and a comprehensive analysis in the overshoot,oscillation, rising time and stability. Integrity and continuity must be guaranteed when determining control rules.