The stability of linear planar resonators involved in solid-state lasers is entirely decided by the thermal lens of the laser crystal. There exists a critical point between stable state and unstable state at which the thermally focusing point falls on the surface of one end mirror. Based on this fact, a new method for measuring the thermal focal length has been presented, and applied to three different Nd3+-doped (2%, 0.8%, and 0.5% ) Nd:YVO4 crystals at various absorbed pump power levels up to 10 W, the results show a good agreement with those of theoretical calculation. It also indicates that the thermal lensing is strongly dependent on the Nd3+-doped concentration, and is affected by crystal surface temperature, especially in the situation of weak thermal lensing.