In order to study the influence of blade leading edge sweep on the performance and stable operating range of centrifugal compressor, the leading edge sweep along the meridian chord length was carried out at the leading edge of blade and the sweep shapes of 5°, 10° and 15° were obtained. The simulation and postprocessing analysis showed that the forward-swept blade shape of leading edge could improve the maximum isentropic efficiency and pressure ratio of compressor and also improve the flow range of compressor. The free-swept blade shape was further designed with the better effect and could reduce the shock wave intensity and loss at the inlet of impeller. According to the bench test, the free-swept blade shape was better than the non-swept blade shape because the isentropic efficiency and pressure ratio improved effectively and the flow range also extended.