A frequency-dependent slow-wave factor (SWF) and equivalent circuit model of transmission line with defected ground structures (DGS) is described. Once S-parameters of a DGS transmission line are given, the conventional frequency -independent equivalent circuit elements are extracted using 3dB cutoff and resonant frequencies (Fc and Fo) as the first step. Using the initial equivalent elements and simple transmission line theories, a frequency-dependent equivalent transmission line model is established through an analytical method, and finally the frequency dependent SWF is calculated. The proposed equivalent circuit model and SWF are frequency-dependent and more reliable because even small insertion loss within available passband is considered, while they have been independent of frequency.