This paper reports the growth of Nd 3 + :YVO 4 crystal with high optical quality and large size. Nd 3 + :YVO 4 crystal with the dimension 40x26x46mm 3 and optical homogeneity 4x10 - 6 was grown by Czhchoralski method using a seed with [100] orientation at a pulling rate of 1.5-2.0mm/h and a rotating rate of 6-12rpm. The relationship between the growing habit and characteristics and the structural characterization of YVO 4 crystal was discussed. The lasing property of 0.5at% Nd-doped YVO 4 crystal was tested. The output power was 15.0W at 1.061μm, pumped by high power diode laser with central wavelength 809nm and 27.4W pumping power. The laser energy threshold was 2.0W. The light-light conversion efficiency is 54.8% and the slope efficiency is 59%.