The invention discloses a differential evolution algorithm-based uniform area array sparse optimization method. At present, a phased array radar sparse array optimization technology lacks differentialevolution algorithm optimization under a uniform area array model. The method comprises the following steps of 1, converting a real number code in a differential evolution algorithm into a binary code; 2, constructing a fitness function by using the sum of the planar peak value side lobe levels; and 3, drawing a sparse array element distribution map through the binary codes obtained after optimization, and further obtaining a three-dimensional directional diagram of the sparse array. According to the method, based on a differential evolution algorithm, an array aperture, the number of array elements and an array element interval are taken as constraint conditions, and the minimum plane peak sidelobe level is taken as an objective function, so that a sparse array element position distribution map and a sparse array three-dimensional directional diagram are obtained. Simulation results show that the method has the advantages that constraint conditions are met, the directional diagram does not have obvious grating lobes and obvious mutual coupling influence in a visual area, the performance is good, and the algorithm convergence speed is high.