The invention discloses a motor equivalent air gap model. The equivalent air gap model is established on the basis of a unified air gap magnetic field modulation theory, and a typical induction motorand synchronous motor structure is divided into initial excitation magnetomotive unit, a modulator and a filter which are cascaded. An initial excitation source establishes initial magnetomotive distribution in the physical air gap; the modulator modulates the initial magnetomotive distribution to generate a series of magnetomotive harmonic components, and all the magnetomotive harmonic componentsgenerate corresponding magnetic flux density harmonic components in the air gap; and an armature winding, as the spatial harmonic filter, extracts the effective air-gap magnetic flux density harmoniccomponents to generate a magnetic link or an electromotive force and further to supply power to a load or receive synchronous current, so that corresponding mechanical output is generated. Mathematical expression of the equivalent air gap model is clear and concise, an air gap magnetic field modulation behavior can be described clearly, effectively and qualitatively, an operation characteristic of the motor is reflected, internal connection as well as difference between inductive motor and the synchronous motor is verified and sensed visually, and theoretical understanding is deepened.