In this work, Pb(Zr, Ti)O 3 (PZT) powders were prepared by traditional hydrothermal method and solid state reaction. Subsequently, PZT ceramics were sintered and their electric properties (including piezoelectric coefficient d 33 , electromechanical coupling coefficient k p and mechanical quality factor Q m ) as a function of sintering temperature (1125-1250°C) were comparably studied. Given that the Pb deficiency may exist in the hydrothermally synthesized PZT powders, effects of Pb excess (0, 20 and 80 mol%) in the hydrothermal precursor on their sinterability were also involved. The hydrothermally synthesized PZT powders with 80 mol% Pb excess showed the highest sintering activity, and their electric properties peaked at 1175°C (d 33 = 225 pC/N, k p = 0.446, Q m = 300). It's demonstrated that A-site deficiency may degrade the sintering activity of PZT powders, and hydrothermal synthesis of PZT powders with appropriate Pb excess was the compromising pathway to increase their sinterability, decrease the sintering temperature and lessen the volatilization of Pb ion in the fabrication of widely applied PZT ceramic.