Objective To compare the dosimetric differences between pencil beam convolution (PBC) and anisotropic analytical algorithm (AAA) in Eclipse treatment planning system for intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) planning of lung cancer patients and dosimetric verification. Methods 10 IMRT plans of lung cancer patients were calculated using the PBC and AAA and the differences of dosimetric parameter were analyzed according to dose-volume histogram of planning target volume (PTV), lung and spinal cord. The verification measurements were performed on an inhomogeneous thorax phantom using a pinpoint ionization chamber. The agreement between calculated and measured doses was determined. The paired t test was used to compare the results. Results Compared with PBC, the AAA predicted higher maximum PTV dose (t=－4.03,P=0.010), lower minimum PTV dose (t=5.09,P=0.040), and a reduction of the volume of PTV covered by the prescribed dose. The AAA also predicted slightly increases than the PBC algorithm in the mean dose to the lung and the V₂₀ as well as the maximum dose to the spinal cord, and the differences were statistically significant (t=－3.99,－2.79,－5.46,P=0.010,0.038,0.003). In the verification measurements, the agreement between the AAA and measurement was within 2% and superior to the PBC algorithm on isocenter (t=－3.82,P=0.012). Conclusions For IMRT treatment planning of lung cancer, the PBC algorithm overestimates the dose to the PTV and underestimates the dose to the lung and the spinal cord, so the AAA for treating planning in which the tissue inhomogeneous such as lung is present is recommended.