The invention discloses a machine tool performance detection system and method, and belongs to the technical field of industrial detection. The machine tool performance detection system comprises power detection, horizontal performance detection, feed detection, machining platform detection, positioning performance detection and precision detection; and the power detection is used for determiningmachine tool braking power source stability, the power detection comprises a current instrument panel and a rotating-speed instrument panel, the current instrument panel is used for measuring currentdata between a braking power source and a power supply, the rotating speed instrument panel is used for measuring transmission rate data of the braking power source; the horizontal performance detection is used for determining the corners, the local horizontal position and horizontal stability of a machine tool, the horizontal performance detection comprises a level gauge, and the measurement of the reliability, stability and horizontal position of each assembling part of the machine tool is completed through the instrument panels, a dial indicator and the level gauge arranged in a front-and-rear fixed point mode. Comparative analysis can be conveniently carried out by the inspection personnel, the performance of the machine tool is obtained, output data intuitively reflects the performance of the machine tool, and subsequent correcting work can be conveniently carried out on the machine by the workers.