Output signal to noise ratio is an important technical index for evaluating detectability of microchannel plate image intensifier tube, and the characteristic for detecting of microchannel plate image intensifier tube restricts the detectability of the night vision system. It has been proved in theory and in practice that the value of output signal to noise ratio of image intensifier tube equipped for night vision system decides the farthest distance and imaging definition of system which used under low light level in square root way. In this article, method and device for measuring the output signal to noise ratio of 18mm microchannel plate image intensifier tube has been introduced in detail. Output signal to noise ratio values of several 18mm microchannel plate image intensifier tube selected have been measured. Contacting to work condition of image intensifier tube, relationship between voltage of cathode, microchannel plate, screen and output signal to noise ratio of 18mm microchannel plate image intensifier tube bas been studied, which is available for other image intensifier tube.