The filtration efficiencies of filters of different structure to nicotine and the space distribution patterns of nicotine retention in filters were studied. By quantitatively analysing the nicotine deliveries in mainstream cigarette smoke and nicotine retention in filters, the filtration efficiencies, namely the ratio of nicotine retention amount by filter to total nicotine delivery, of four different filters were compared. With the same raw and auxiliary material, filter length and pressure drop, the filtration efficiencies of four different filters, regular CA (cellulose acetate) filter, external grooved CA filter, internal grooved CA filter and CA filter with cavity, were 39.06%, 45.45%, 39.63% and 31.75%, respectively. The filters were transversely and longitudinal concentric cut by a precision laser cutter, and then the nicotine retention in those divided filter parts was quantitatively analysed. The nicotine distribution data were calibrated firstly and then treated with polynomial fitting and interpolation analysis. The nicotine retention distribution patterns, including longitudinal, cross section radial and tridimensional space, in different filters were obtained. The practical contribution rates of individual longitudinal parts to nicotine retention were determined according to the longitudinal distribution patterns of nicotine retention in filters, and the space distribution pattern differences were discussed based on the changes of smoke flow in different filters.