The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a solid core encased by a cover of one, two or more layers, which ball has specific hardness relationships among various areas on a core cross-section obtained by cutting the solid core in half. The golf ball has both a reduced spin rate and a good initial velocity on shots, particularly when struck in a high head-speed range, and thus is able to achieve an increased distance. A good feel on impact can also be obtained.