Abstract A solution is obtained by means of the Ritz method for the “large-deflection” problem of a clamped elliptical plate of constant thickness, subjected to a uniformly distributed load. Two shapes of elliptical plate are treated, in addition to the limiting cases of the circular plate and infinite strip, for which the exact solutions are known. Center deflections as well as total stresses at the center and edge decrease as one proceeds from the infinite strip through the elliptical shapes to the circular plate, holding the width of the plates constant. The relation between edge-stress at the semiminor axis (maximum stress in the plate) and center deflection is found to be practically independent of the proportions of the elliptical plate. Hence the governing stress may be determined from a single curve for a given load on an elliptical plate of arbitrary dimensions, if the center deflection is known.