The embodiment of the invention provides a heating early warning method and device for an electric heating cable. The method comprises the steps that the size parameter of a roller wound by the electric heating cable, the mass of the roller, the winding number of the electric heating cable wound on the roller, and the current parameter of the electric heating cable are obtained; the calorific value of the roller is determined according to the size parameter, the winding number and the current parameter; and the temperature increment of the roller is obtained according to the calorific value and the mass of the roller; and whether the temperature increment reaches a preset early-warning temperature value or not is judged, if the temperature increment reaches the preset early-warning temperature value, an early warning signal is sent. The embodiment of the invention can provide scientific and reasonable guidance in safety production.