The invention discloses a hierarchical protection setting calculation method for a power distribution network, and the method comprises the steps: dividing the power distribution network into a network source layer, a trunk layer, a branch layer and an access layer from a main transformer end to a load end according to the functions of the power distribution network, wherein the network source layer, the trunk layer, the branch layer and the access layer are respectively corresponding to an outgoing line switch, a section switch, a branch switch and a boundary switch of a transformer substation; configuring three-section type overcurrent protection for the transformer substation outgoing line switch protection, and configuring two-section type overcurrent protection for the section switch protection, the branch switch protection and the boundary switch protection; delaying the transformer substation outgoing line switch protection section II by 0.3 s, and enabling the section switch, the branch switch, the boundary switch protection section I and the transformer substation outgoing line switch protection section II to cooperate by adopting 100ms differential in sequence; when co-tripping occurs in protection on the same layer, reclosing and post-acceleration are adopted to remedy selectivity. According to the method, a hierarchical protection setting scheme is adopted, and the problems that power distribution network protection is difficult to set and the protection action selectivity is poor are solved.