The effect of Ca addition on the solidification microstructure of hypoeutectic Al-Si casting alloys was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) methods with particular attention focused on the change of morphologies of primary α-Al and eutectic silicon. Meanwhile, solute distribution in solid-liquid was simulated according to Scheil-Gulliver law. Results showed that primary α-Al and eutectic silicon were refined as Ca content increased because of the variation of the solute concentration in liquid. The addition of Ca increased the nucleation sites like Al 3 Ti or Al 2 Cu to promote the nucleation of primary α-Al. Affected by modification effect of Ca, the shape of eutectic silicon changed from flake to fibrous structure. In addition, coarse plate Ca-rich phases could be found along the grain boundary with high Ca content.