The invention relates to a C type arm of a C-arm X-ray machine. The C-arm X-ray machine comprises a main frame and the C type arm which are connected with each other through a shaft, wherein the C type arm can make rotary motion relative to the main frame through the shaft, the C type arm comprises an arm body, a drive device, a digital display device, a single chip microcomputer, a synchronous pulley and a rotary encoder, the drive device comprises a stepping motor for providing electricity and a meshing gear for transmitting power, the single chip microcomputer is connected with the digital display device, the stepping motor and the rotary encoder respectively, the stepping motor, the synchronous pulley and the arm body are connected in sequence, the rotary encoder is arranged on the arm body, and the rotary encoder and the arm body are in gear drive. The C type arm has the beneficial effects that the rotation angle of the C type arm can be accurately controlled, the noise is small, the structure is simple, the use is convenient, and the performance is stable.