This study was conducted to investigate ozone sensitivity of physiological indicators and the difference in ozone tolerance of 8 families of Sophora japonica seedlings on the basis of the standardized physiological indicators. After ozone treatment, photosynthetic parameters, photosynthetic pigments and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and antioxidative enzyme activities were analyzed from the leaves of S. japonica seedlings. Ozone tolerance indices among 8 families were calculated with the standardized physiological parameters. In addition, the reduction of carboxylation efficiency and apparent quantum yield were observed in the leaves of seven families, except for family No. 6 and 7, respectively. The apparent quantum yield varied from -27% to -61% of the control seedlings. Photosynthetic pigment content differed significantly among 8 families, but was not affected significantly by ozone treatment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased from 7% to 64% after ozone exposure, and significant difference existed among 8 families. Ascorbate-peroxidase (APX) activity of 8 families increased by ozone treatment, and the activity of family No. 7 showed the highest increase (218%) in comparison to their respective control plants. On the basis of the standardized indices, family No. 6 showed the lowest tolerance by indicating higher reduction of both photosynthetic parameters and pigment content and lower increase of antioxidative enzyme activities. On the contrary, family No. 7 showed the highest tolerance as indicated by lower reduction of photosynthetic parameters, higher amounts of photosynthetic pigments, and higher enzyme activity.