Five foxtail millet varieties, including Lu 7060, Yangjiaohuang, Yugu No. 5, Jun 24 and Mar 51, were used for rapid drought tolerance evaluation. According to the germination rate in mannitol solution, relative water content (RWC) and water potential of leaves after mid-drought and seedling survival rate after severe drought, the variety Mar 51 was screened as the most drought-tolerant variety among the five varieties. Compared to other varieties, Mar 51 had a higher germination rate and higher relative water content after mid-drought. As a result, germination rate under osmotic stress and RWC could be considered as good indices of drought tolerance and used for rapid evaluation for drought tolerance of foxtail millet.