The ultrashort, ultrahigh intensity pulse laser has been fully developed in past three decades. Chirped pulse amplification (CPA) system plays an important role in the generation of the ultrashort, ultrahigh intensity pulse laser. Pulse compression gratings (PCGs) are the key element of CPA system and determine the performance and lifetime of the whole system. We introduce the principle of CPA system and the performance requirements of PCGs. Then the development status of PCGs, including Au-coated grating, multilayer dielectric grating (MDG), and metal MDG, is fully reviewed. Finally, the development prospect of PCGs in the future is presented. Our study is helpful for comprehensive understanding of PCGs.