The volumetric positioning accuracy of five-axis machine tools affected by both static and dynamic error sources is an important performance index that can badly influence the machining quality of work pieces. According to the different descriptions of the numerical characteristics of error sources,the mainly used error modeling methods and the corresponding error sensitivity analysis methods are summarized. The error measurement and identification methods of linear axes and rotation axes are respectively summarized and illustrated. Then,based on different kinds of error sources,the mainly used error compensation methods are also demonstrated. The existing deficiencies in volumetric positioning accuracy improvement methods for five-axis machine tools are discussed in five different aspects,including error modeling,error sensitivity analysis,error measurement,error identification and error compensation. Finally,the development direction of the volumetric positioning accuracy improvement methods are also analyzed based on the overview.