The adhesion force of water droplet on the gas diffusion layer (GDL) is modeled based on the droplet deformation. The deformed droplet is represented as an ovoid shape. The adhesion force is calculated based on it and verified by the surface tilting experiment. The model predicts the shape of deformed droplet and adhesion force within 30% error, whereas previous models predict adhesion force with error larger than 30%. The modified model is used to compare the adhesion force among 3 types of GDL having pore gradient. The comparison result is well matched with the water distribution in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and water detachment phenomena at the GDL. High adhesion force makes more water accumulation at the interface of GDL and gas supplying channel. This makes different boundary condition and changes the water distribution in PEMFC. (C) 2018 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.