An exemplary optical plate includes a first transparent layer, a second transparent layer and a light diffusion layer. The light diffusion layer is between the first and second transparent layers. The light diffusion layer, the first and second transparent layers are integrally formed. The light diffusion layer includes a transparent matrix resin and a plurality of diffusion particles dispersed in the transparent matrix resin. The first transparent layer includes a plurality of elongated V-shaped protrusions at an outer surface thereof that is distalmost from the second transparent layer. The second transparent layer includes a plurality of micro-recesses at an outer surface thereof that is distalmost from the first transparent layer. Each micro-recess is a frustum of an inverted pyramid in shape. A direct type backlight module using the optical plate is also provided.