The intracavity photon density and initial population inversion density in the diode-pumped actively Q-switched laser rate equations are assumed to be Gaussian distributions. These space-dependent rate equations are solved numerically and a group of general curves are generated. By using these curves and the related formulas, the pulse parameters of an arbitrary actively Q-switched laser can be easily estimated and an optimally coupled Q-switched laser can be designed. A sample calculation for a Q-switched Nd3+:YVO4 laser is presented to demonstrate the use of the curves and the related formulas. Index Terms-Actively Q-switched Iasers, Iaser diode pumping, rate equations, spatial distribution of Iaser mode, spatial distribution of pumping.