Abstract: The transverse initial-failure in cross-ply laminates loaded in 0 degree fiber direction is first studied using the shear-lag model of finite sub-layers and incorporating the linear elastic fracture mechanics.The multiple cracking in 90 degree layers is studied using the coordinate conversion and linear superposition principle.Both the initial failure strains and crack densities predicted by the present method agree with the experimental results,verifying the correctness and reliability of the present analytical method.