Abstract In view of the shortage of multi-target detecting function in traditional FMCW range radars, a novel target detecting algorithm is developed, which is based on the combination of FSK radar. A similar trapezoid frequency modulated waveform is adopted to realize the effective detection of single and multiple targets. The radar working with this algorithm can not only detect the distance and velocity of single target, but also these parameters of multiple targets. The simulations and verifications are performed by MatLab software. The results show that the novel algorithm can catch the targets accurately, while the precision in measurement is satisfactory. This multi-target detecting algorithm will be applicative to millimeter wave anti-collision radars.