A method for producing a sheet molding compound including impregnating a resin composition into carbon fibers. The method is characterized in that the bulkiness Ho of the carbon fibers before an impregnation step is 3 mm or more, the compression ratio Rc(Hc/Ho) of the carbon fibers in the impregnation step is less than 1, the thickness of the sheet molding compound is 10 mm or less, and the content Wc of the carbon fibers is 40% by mass or more. The method for producing a sheet molding compound can produce a sheet molding compound having the excellent impregnation property into carbon fibers and thus can be preferably used for exteriors, structures, and the like of an automotive member, a railroad vehicle member, an aerospace vehicle member, a ship member, a housing equipment member, a sport member, a light vehicle member, a civil engineering and construction member, an OA equipment.