Abstract: The roll contour variation characteristics of conventional backup and work rolls, self-developed VCR (varying contact backup rolls) and ASR (asymmetry self-compensating work rolls) were investigated by industrial test results. The finite element models of three typical roll contour configurations, i.e. conventional backup/work rolls, VCR/conventional work rolls, and VCR/ASR, were developed to calculate the roll stack deformation. The flatness control performance of these roll contour configurations was analyzed. In comparison with the conventional roll contour configuration, the crown control range by roll bending force enhances by 12.79% and the roll gap stiffness increases by 25.30%. The peak values of roll contact pressure in the prophase and anaphase rolling service drop by 40.23% and 41.40%, respectively. The application of VCR/ASR configuration gives better strip profile and flatness quality, an increase in coil number within the rolling campaign and a significant alleviated effect of severe work roll wear contour on the performance of edge drop control in a 1 700 mm hot strip mill at WIS(G)CO of China.