A paper-based friction material and a method for making a friction plate. The paper-based friction material uses fibers as a skeleton, resin as a matrix, various oxides and graphite as fillers, organic friction powder and rubber as regulators, and is produced by pulping and papermaking. , drying, impregnated with resin, cured, pasted on the steel core plate, and then heat-treated and machined to make a paper-based friction plate. It has a high coefficient of dynamic friction, close to the coefficient of dynamic and static friction, smooth and soft joints, and does not damage the couple. It has the characteristics of stable braking, low noise, strong torque transmission capacity, no environmental pollution, simple manufacturing process, and low manufacturing cost.