The basic methods and development process of traditional grinding simulation, as well as the research status of the abrasive model and the workpiece model are summarized. The research status of finite element method, smoothed particle hydrodynamics method, molecular dynamics method and comprehensive method are analyzed in detail, which is applied on the single abrasive grain grinding for the material removal mechanism, chip formation mechanism, workpiece surface quality and abrasive wear. Finally, the limitations of the simulation methods are expounded, and the development trend of single abrasive grinding simulation is put forward.