Abstract: A seismic design method based on shear force ratios of buckling-restrained braced (BRB) reinforced concrete frames (RC-BRBFs) was proposed. BRBs with different configurations were determined according to the design shear ratio α, and many RC-BRBFs with different stories were designed. Through inelastic dynamic time history analyses, the relationship curves of maximum interstory drift ratio and hysteretic energy ratio with different design shear ratios of RC-BRBFs were investigated, and the proper design shear ratio was recommended as 0.33 < α < 0.47. Based on the design shear ratio, the relationship between the maximum interstory drift ratio and main frames with different stiffness was investigated, and the recommended design value of the maximum interstory drift ratio of main reinforced concrete frame was proposed. The developed design approach is straightforward and practical, and provides a new idea for the seismic design of BRB-based energy dissipating and seismic mitigation structures.