A parameter that quantificationally evaluates the homogeneity of the absorbed pump light distribution in a laser rod is proposed, which is root mean square error relative value of absorbed pump light distribution in the laser rod. By using this parameter and the ray tracing code, the couple efficiency and the pump light distribution homogeneity of a five-fold side-pumped Nd∶YAG module for different distance between LD and the side surface of the Nd∶YAG rod are quantificationally investigated, and structure parameters are optimized. At 100 Hz and 2% duty cycle, the maximum average pump power of the module at 808 nm is 200 W. Arranging one such pump module in a plane-plane short cavity, 95 W multi-mode laser output at 1064 nm can be delivered. The corresponding optical to optical efficiency is 47.5%.