Ho3+: GdVO4 is a new laser material suitable for high-power laser systems. In this paper we measure the absorption spectra of Ho3 in the sample Ho3+: GdVO4. The intensity parameters are calculated by using the Judd-Ofelt theory. Some predicted spectroscopic parameters, such as the spontaneous radiative transition rate, branching ratio and integrated emission cross section are dealt with. And we also compare the optical parameters with those of other materials. Prom these results, it is found that there are many transitions which have large oscillator strengths and large integrated emission cross sections. Especially the transitions such as 5F4 → 5I8, 5S2 → 5I8, 5F5 → 5I8 and 5/7 → 5/8 are useful in solid-state lasers and other fields. Finally, we discuss the splitting of the energy levels of Ho3in the crystal GdVO4 based on the group theory.