Matrix effect was a technical limitation for the development of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). To reduce the matrix effect and address the challenges in preparing standard complex matrix samples, standard addition method was introduced into the field of LIBS. Five implementation methods of standard addition method were introduced. The specific applications such as environmental monitoring, archaeology, mineral detection, food, and medicinal safety monitoring were summarized. The principles and applications of three improved methods: Online standard addition method, data processing assisted standard addition method, and sample simplification standard addition method were discussed. Online standard addition method can achieve the automated sample preparation and improve the efficiency of LIBS technology quantitative analysis. Data processing assisted standard addition method weakens spectral background interference, spectral fluctuations, and self-absorption effects, and improves the quantitative analysis accuracy of LIBS technology assisted by the standard addition method. Sample simplification standard addition method overcomes the disadvantage of not being able to directly detect powder samples, and improves the detection efficiency of LIBS technology assisted by standard addition method while simplifying the sample quantity. The progress in these applications and improvement methods indicate that standard addition method-LIBS has the advantages in the trace detection of liquid and powder samples.