A three-dimensional mathematical model was found for a continuous annealing furnace, the temperature field, and flow field of the furnace and the temperature of the stainless strip could be calculated by using this model. The simulation results were compared with measured data and the accuracy of the model was proved by the predicted temperature distribution. By using this model, the convective heat transfer coefficient and equivalent radiation heat transfer coefficient of the strip surface were also analyzed. C⃝ 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 46 (7): 924-932, 2017; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj).