Graph theory has been applied to gear train analysis and synthesis for many years, and it is an effective and systematic modeling approach in the design process of gear transmission. Based on more than 100 references listed in this paper, a review about the graph-based method for kinematic and static force analysis, power flow, and mechanical efficiency computation is presented. The method is based on the concept of fundamental circuit corresponding to a basic epicyclic gear train. A 1-dof epicyclic gear train and a two-stage planetary gear train are used to illustrate the application of this method. Besides, isomorphism identification in the synthesis process and enumeration of 1-dof epicyclic gear train graphs are surveyed particularly. Also, the computerized methods for detection of redundant gears and degenerate structures in epicyclic gear trains are reviewed, respectively.