The nonuniformity of energy absorption capability of ZnO varistor is systematically discussed in this paper. The nonuniformity of electrical characteristics and microstructure leads to decrease the energy absorption capability of ZnO varistor. The energy absorption capabilities were measured under different current waves, the experimental results stated that they have highly scattered phenomena. The influences of varistor surface area and nonuniformity of electrical characteristics to the energy absorption capability and the nonuniformity of commercial ZnO varistors were analyzed. There is a high nonuniformity existing in the energy absorption capability of commercial ZnO varistors.