[Purposes] Water resources carrying capacity (WRCC) is an important index for measuring the basic requirements for regional sustainable development and core competitiveness. Quantitative evaluation and comparison of WRCC is the key to clarify the regional development capacity. [Methods] Twelve key indices from three factors layers (the SPR model), i.e., support state, use pressure, and control responre were selected based on the evaluation target of WRCC in Hunan Province. The evaluation index system of WRCC in Hunan Province was established using the method of entropy weight with a unit of prefecture level city. The averaged statistics from 2012 to 2021 was used as the original value to comprehensively evaluate and compare the advantages and disadvantages of WRCC of 14 prefecture level cities in Hunan Province, so as to provide data support for improving WRCC of Hunan Province. [Findings] Results showed that the water resources in Hunan Province were not deficient on the whole. Among the evaluation factor layers, pressure has the lowest weight (about 20%), while support and response has a weight of 40% respectively. Chenzhou and Huaihua have greater advantages in water resources conservation and storage capacity. Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan region is under the greatest water use pressure, but has advantages in industry and water resources development efficiency. [Conclusions] The overall water use pressure and the relative state of water resources in Hunan is within the tolerable range. The region with the highest and lowest WRCC is mainly controlled by its natural conditions, while the region with a middle WRCC is mainly controlled by the industrial structure and development and utilization efficiency. Improving the water use efficiency, and rational allocation of water resources through hydraulic engineering can effectively improve the WRCC in Hunan Province.