Abstract: Firstly, this paper introduced the equal-area method and the s2/4g rules, which are used commonly to compute tensile ultimate strength of bolted connections with staggered holes, and pointed out the drawback of the analytical models of these two methods. Then, a finite element model was established to simulate the behavior and strength of steel plate bolted tension members with staggered holes using the C3D8I element of ABAQUS. Based on the analysis of experiment and finite element method, a new analytical model was put forward by introducing the coefficient of nonuniform stress. A parametric study was conducted by using the validated model in order to determine the effect of parameters including the gage and pitch on the coefficient of nonuniform stress. Based on the results of parametric study, the change law of the coefficient of nonuniform stress was concluded and the formula predicting the limit value of the coefficient of nonuniform stress was put forward.