Abstract One of the efficient methods for improving the seismic behaviour of high-rise buildings is using Composite Steel Plate Shear Wall (CSPSW). In this paper, extensive experimental studies of one and three-story CSPSWs with the scale of 1:3 and 1:4, together with stress equations of each element are reported. The experimental results indicate that this system has reliable behaviour if the columns have high bending stiffness. Also bolts spacing to plate thickness ratio has direct relationship with system ductility. However, plate yield load has an inverse relationship with this ratio. In this system, plate stiffening requirement is obtained with minimum reinforcement for reinforced concrete, though for damage prevention high strength concrete is preferred. Also, the results show a good agreement for the recommended values of (b/t) by an AISC code for preventing plate buckling.