This paper proposes an analytical technique for calculating the armature reaction field and inductance of permanent magnet linear synchronous machines based on a subdomain analytical model. The analytical solutions based on the subdomain model in terms of a 2-D Cartesian coordinate system are obtained using continuous and Neumann boundary conditions. The analytical results of the magnetic field are validated extensively with finite element method (FEM). Based on these solutions, the inductance is also determined analytically. In addition, we improve the accuracy of the analysis by using a simplified method of calculating the end inductance. Finally, the predictions are compared with a 3-D FEM and measured data to confirm the validity of the analysis methods presented in this paper.