An analysis for the formation of nonpropagating fatigue cracks at (the base of V-shaped) notch roots, based on the considerations of the extent of the critically stressed region ahead of a notch or a crack tip, and the resulting volumetric strength effect, is developed. Assuming that the minimum local cyclic stress required for crack initiation from a notch root is equal to the unnotched fatigue limit, σe, and that the minimum local cyclic stress required for the propagation of the crack is equal to the theoretical strength of the material, σe, a model of notch fatigue limit is proposed that shows that nonpropagating cracks should form at the notch base if ρ≤ ρ0, a critical root radius, provided the notch is sufficiently deep,i.e. d ≥ ρ0. The radius ρ0 is a material constant and can be estimated from known material properties. The estimated values of ρ0 are in fairly good agreement with available experimental values for steels and pure copper. For stresses near the notch fatigue limit it is suggested that p0 be regarded as a radius above which notch fatigue limit is essentially initiation controlled and below which essentially propagation controlled. The notch fatigue limit based on complete fracture can then be estimated more accurately with mild as well as sharp notches.