This paper presents the influence of current distribution on AC transport current loss in multi-strand high-temperature superconductor (HTS) tapes. The current-distribution-dependent-AC loss is analyzed by introducing a current distribution parameter. We calculated AC loss of multi-strand HTS tapes numerically and performed AC loss measurements as well. Though the effect of current distribution on AC transport current loss is relatively insignificant for a low applied transport current, the effect of nonuniform current distribution seriously increases AC loss for a high applied transport current. The AC loss measurement method used in this paper is also confirmed by comparison with numerical results: the experimental and computational results showed good agreement for various current distribution parameters