A 2-dimension axisymmetric model was developed by the finite-difference method, which can be used to predict the transient temperature field and thermal profile of work rolls in the hot strip rolling process. To demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of the solution developed, the calculation results were compared with the production data of a 1700 mm hot strip rolling mill and good agreement was found between them. The effect of strip width and roll shifting on the thermal expansion of the work rolls was studied.It is found that the strip width has marked effect on the efficient thermal crown. Initially, when the rolling strip changes from narrow to wide, a bigger efficient thermal crown can be quickly achieved; afterwards, when the rolling strip changes from wide to narrow,not only the influence of uneven wear can be reduced but also the excessive efficient thermal crown can be avoided. It is also found that the work roll shifting has a determinate but not obvious effect on the reduction of the efficient thermal crown, and will make the strip shape unstable without being used properly.