A finite element model has been developed to predict the level of entrainment and mixing in a confined turbulent jet of variable density. Turbulence closure has been achieved by a modified Prandtl mixing length model. The scheme is validated for various nonisothermal Craya-Curtet numbers with available experimental data. Results are compared with available analytical solutions for the rate of entrainment, and a reasonable match is observed. The effects of aspect ratio, density ratio, and jet location on entrainment and mixing of ambient fluid are discussed. © 1999, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.