PurposeTo characterise the optimal design parameters which are useful in hydrostatic radial journal bearings design.Design/methodology/approachA computer program is developed. With this program, designers can determine and select all design parameters of the hydrostatic radial journal bearings. Design parameters are searched with an optimisation algorithm which is used as a multi‐criteria optimisation approach.FindingsWith this approach, the designer can use the time effectively. This approach is faster and more precise than other approaches in the literature.Research limitations/implicationsThis approach is valid only for a specific type of hydrostatic journal bearings and within limits of shaft velocity. This approach should be improved.Practical implicationsThis approach can especially be used for the hydrostatic journal bearings which are used for shafts‐turned middle velocities.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils the requests of the journal bearing designers exactly and quickly. In this research area, there is no another program.