Based on a brief survey of the test methods for axial load for joints, an instrumented bolt for axial load plan is presented to overcome the difficulty of lead outlet and the inaccurateness of the existed instrumented bolt at low load level. The stickup scheme of strain gauges and measurement part structure of the instrumented bolt for load were designed and further manufactured. The linearity and repeatability of load-strain behavior of instrumented bolt for load were experimentally investigated with joint. A brief results of instrumented bolt for axial load and theoretic calculation method, engineer calculation method are compared. The outcomes show the presented instrumented bolt for axial load satisfies the technical requirements for measuring axial load of bolts in engineering; the result of engineer calculation method is higher than the value of measuring axial load.