Process induced anisotropy in sheet metal is accounted for in analytical modeling by anisotropic yield criteria. The suitability of a yield criterion for predicting sheet metal forming process is generally validated by way of its ability to predict surface strains. However, the sensitivity of surface strains to yield criteria is dependent upon strain modes, with plane strain mode exhibiting higher sensitivity. To eliminate dependency on strain modes, stresses are used to evaluate yield criteria, since forming stresses are less sensitive to strain modes. In the study, the residual stresses remaining in a hemispherical cup formed in plain strain mode is predicted using Hill48 and Barlat89 criteria. The residual stresses are experimentally characterized by using X-Ray diffraction method. Suitable yield criterion for forming simulation is validated based on the correlation of theoretical predictions with experimental residual stress values. © 2010 Springer-Verlag France.