The invention discloses a real-time bridge load identification method based on an influence matrix. The method includes: according to bridge monitoring aims and precision requirements, setting displacement, angle and strain sensors on a bridge; according to bridge structural form and load features, equaling bridge load into a feature load combination; establishing a finite element analysis model for the bridge, and separately calculating measured values of each sensor caused by each unit feature load; combining the measured values of the sensors caused by the unit feature loads into the influence matrix; according to the measured values of the sensors, calculating the magnitude of the feature load, as current actual load of the bridge; and calculating deformation and stress mechanical parameters of a concerned position of the bridge, and evaluating safety state of the bridge according to the mechanical parameters. The method is applicable to various types of identifiable or equivalent basic loads and various type of measurement information, including absolute or relative displacement, absolute or relative angle, strain, internal force, external force and the like.