ABSTRACT To quantitatively calculate the moment-rotation relationship of loose continuous-tenon joints in traditional column-and-tie timber frame, the rotational deformation of loose joints is divided into two stages: free sliding and contact compression. Using constitutive, geometric, and equilibrium equations, a theoretical formula for moment-rotation is derived. The calculated values are then compared with experimental results to validate the accuracy of the theoretical calculation method. A sensitivity analysis is conducted on typical parameters, such as beam height, column diameter, joint clearance, and perpendicular compression modulus of wood, to explore their effects on the moment-rotation relationship of tenon joints. The results show that increasing the perpendicular compression modulus of wood leads to greater bending stiffness and load carrying capacity of tenon joints, with the latter increasing more significantly. In the elastic stage, the rotational stiffness of the joint increases with beam height or column diameter, while after entering the elastoplastic stage, the joint stiffness is less influenced by these factors. The initial rotational stiffness and load carrying capacity of the joint both decrease with joint clearance, and the effect of joint clearance on load carrying capacity decreases as the clearance increases when the joint enters the yielding stage.