Abstract: As a new silo type, squat silos have been widely used in China. However, there is no unified and suitable formula for calculation of lateral pressure of squat silos. To solve this problem, systematical research is carried out in this paper. Firstly, based on the specific failure mode of squat silos, a simplified model for calculating lateral pressure of squat silo is established. Then an upper bound solution of lateral pressure of squat silos according to limit analysis is presented. The influences of the squat silos radius and the bulk material filling depth are researched. Lastly, for the purpose of verification the obtained solution is compared to numerical results as well as full size experiment, and good agreements are concluded.