Abstract A numerical method is used to compute the characteristics of an externally pressurized journal bearing. Results indicate that the squeeze term due to the oil pocket has very small effect on the bearing characteristics. At lower rotational speeds, double‐row hydrostatic journal bearings have higher damping coefficients than the single‐row bearings and, therefore, have a better stability. However, the stiffness coefficient and the loading capacity are lowered when using double‐row bearings.