Based on a steady-state rate equations (REs) and heat dissipation model considering both convective and radiative heat transfer, the output performance and temperature distribution of Yb 3+ doped gain guided and index antiguided (GG–IAG) fiber lasers by multipoint distributed pumping are analyzed by numerically solving REs. The results show that high output power and even temperature distribution can be obtained by increasing pump points and lowering the losses at the points; multipoint side pumping is an optimal method to obtain compact high power GG–IAG fiber lasers. The numerical analysis provides some insights for the construction of high power GG–IAG fiber lasers.