This study was conducted to monitor the quality characteristics of Lespedeza cuneata ethanolic extracts, by a response surface methodology. The independent variables were the extraction temperature ($35{sim}95^{circ}C}$), extraction time (2~10 hr), and ethanol concentration (10~90%). The coefficients of the determinations (R2) were 0.8562 (p<0.1), 0.9787 (p<0.01), and 0.8344 (p<0.1) in total polyphenol, total flavonoid, and electron donating ability, respectively. The electron donating ability and nitrite scavenging effect were improved with an increase of ethanol concentration, rather than the extraction temperature. ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) with extraction conditions was 1,636.47~2,696.99 ${mu}moles$ TE/g, and was increased with the increase of extraction temperature and 40~60% of ethanol concentration. Estimated conditions for the maximized extraction including the yield, total polyphenol, electron donating ability, nitrite scavenging effect, and ORAC, were $60{sim}68^{circ}C$ in extraction temperature, 6~7 hr in extraction time, and 38~60% in ethanol concentration.