In this paper a new numerical method called the charge simulation method is developed for the analysis of composite plates subjected to inplane loading. The charge simulation method is very simple. It is somewhat similar to the boundary element method but differs in the sense that the poles are placed outside the domain. Thus the singularity is completed avoided. The fundamental solution of the basic equations is arrived at in a series form with the coefficients being the unknowns. The solution is valid everywhere except the domain of the plate. By satisfying the boundary conditions the solution is applicable only within the domain. The method is applied to composite plates with and without holes and the results are encouraging. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.