► The flow distribution at the core inlet in rolling motion is investigated. ► In rolling motion, the variation of flow distribution factor is not regular. ► The minimum flow distribution factor could be decreased by rolling motion. ► The effect of rolling motion diminishes with Reynolds number increasing. ► Effect of rolling motion in single loop operation is more significant. The flow distribution at the core inlet in rolling motion is investigated with software CFX12.0. The calculation results were in agreement with experimental data in steady state. As the increasing of rolling amplitude and the decreasing of rolling period, the effect of rolling motion on the flow distribution factor and the flowing behavior increases. In rolling motion, the variation of flow distribution factor is not regular. The rolling motion could decrease the minimum flow distribution factor. The effect of rolling motion on the coolant field and flow distribution diminishes with the Reynolds number increasing. The effect of rolling motion on the flow distribution in the case of single loop operation is more significant than that in the case of double loops operation.