Impact tests on expanded polystyrene(EPS) foams of three different densities are performed by means of small diameter split Hopkinson pressure bar(SHPB). The stress strain curves under five different strain rates are obtained. Quasi static uniaxial compression tests under three different strain rates are also conducted to make a comparison between EPS foams dynamic and quasi static compression behavior. The effects of foam density and strain rate on EPS foams stress strain curve, energy absorption property and fragmentation characterization are analyzed. By using energy absorption capacity method, energy efficiency method and energy absorption diagram, energy absorption and dissipation property of EPS foam under impact loading are evaluated. The results show that the initial foam density and loading strain rate exert significant influence on the energy absorption and impact compression properties of EPS foam.