Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common complications after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), with the occurrence rate of approximate 30%, which leads to hemodynamic instability, reduces survival rate, prolongs hospitalization, and increases patients' economic burden. Previous numerous studies have shown lots of preoperative, intra-operative and postoperative factors can predict the occurrence of new onset atrial fibrillation after CABG. If we can identify the specific patients at high risk for developing atrial fibrillation before operation, we may prevent atrial fibrillation more effectively, avoiding unnecessary prophylactic treatment and its risk. This review only focuses on research progress of preoperative predictors.