The invention discloses a preparation method for combustion synthesis of yttrium ferrite powder. The method comprises steps as follows: firstly, yttrium nitrate and ferric nitrate in the mole ratio being (1-1.5):(1-1.5) are dissolved in deionized water, and a mixed nitrate solution is obtained; then a reducing agent is added, an obtained mixed solution is controlled at the temperature of 200-600 DEG C for a combustion synthesis reaction for 5-30 min, a product is naturally cooled to the room temperature, and the yttrium ferrite powder is obtained. The method is applicable to preparation of the yttrium ferrite powder doped with ions. The yttrium ferrite powder obtained with the preparation method is loose, easy to treat, small in particle and high in purity, the reaction is quick, the efficiency is high, and equipment and the process are simple.