The finite element method of analysis is used to determine the elastic buckling loads for plates with and without openings. The formulation is based on Mindlin plate theory. The 8‐node serendipity element was employed to model the membrane behaviour of the plate in order to determine the in‐plane stress distribution throughout the plate due to the edge loading. The heterosis plate bending element was used in the formulation of the governing equations of the stability problem. The elastic buckling loads for plates with and without openings and under different edge loading conditions are determined and the results were compared with the analytical and numerical results available. The openings considered are circular and square located at the centre of the plate. Convergence of the solution for the plates considered is also discussed.