In order to optimize the actuating performance of single layer surface acoustic wave interdigital transducer (SAW-IDT) and to improve the deficiencies of calculation process of the δ function analysis method, the static properties of the SAW-IDT were analyzed by the finite element simulation optimization method. The influence of the width of the branch electrodes (w), the electrodes interval (s), and the thickness of the substrate (t) on the actuating performance of SAW-IDT was investigated. The simulation results show that when w/t=0.7, the optimal strain response can be obtained; when s/t>3.2, the maximum strain can be obtained. Besides, it can also be concluded that the smaller the electrode interval, the lower the actuating voltage. According to the simulated optimization results, a SAW-IDT was prepared and the frequency response was tested by experiments. The results provide a guidance for the preparation, performance testing, and application of SAW-IDT.