To reasonably arrange the rotation speed of tunnel boring machine(TBM) cutterhead during construction in different surrounding rock conditions, a prediction model for rotation speed of cutterhead is established based on essential rock breaking parameters such as penetration degree, thrust, and torque while introducing field penetration index (FPI) and torque penetration index (TPI). Then, the relationships between these two indices and cutterhead rotation speed are analyzed. Finally, the statistical features and quantitative analysis of engineering data are employed. The model was applied in the Chaohe river waterdiversion TBM project, and the results show that the maximum error of cutterhead rotation speed in the typical fault zone cyclic sections is 0.36 r/min, and the mean absolute error of cutterhead rotation speed in the continuous cyclic sections is 0.55 r/min. The prediction model established can provide reference for reasonable arrangement of cutterhead rotation speed under different surrounding rock conditions.