The invention discloses a method for recognizing DC overhead line lightning stroke based on modulus analysis. The method comprises the following steps of: 1, after traveling wave protection is started in a DC overhead line, acquiring 40[mu]s current data, calculating a line mode current fault component and a ground mode current fault component; 2, determining whether a unipolar ground fault or a bipolar fault; 3, determining whether a lightning conductor is subjected to lightning stroke, a tower is subjected to lightning stroke and a fault and lightning stroke is induced; and 4, determining the lightning conductor and fault, and the lightning stroke tower and flashover. The method is simple and reliable. A large amount of simulation calculation shows that the lightning stroke recognition method has correct and effective criteria, can distinguish between lightning stroke interference and faults, can accurately determine lightning stroke types and line fault types, and achieves dual functions of fault recognition and lightning stroke recognition.