The invention discloses a reading method of a pointer type meter based on depth learning, belonging to the field of depth learning and computer vision. The method of the invention utilizes Mask- RCNNobject detection and instance segmentation algorithm to divide the dial and pointer images firstly, then correcting the dial by perspective transformation, Then using PCA (Principal Component Analysis) algorithm to fit the segmented instrument pointer, Then judging the direction of the pointer according to the center coordinate of the smallest oblique circumscribed rectangle of the pointer and thecenter coordinate of the dial; Finally, calculating the pointer reading according to the slope and direction of the pointer by using the angle method. As that method of the invention can accurately classify the type of the instrument, high precision pixel level segmentation of the pointer and dial, under non-uniform illumination conditions, different scales still have good robustness, to solve the traditional pointer instrument recognition field of the dial and pointer positioning difficulties, uneven light, mirror reflection, blurred pictures caused by low recognition accuracy.