The size effect on fracture toughness was investigated by introducing $J-A_2$ theory. For this application,small size specimens were chosen to establish $J-A_2$ assessment curve with FEM analysis. Two-dimensional FEM analysis was conducted with plane strain model using ABAQUS by domain integral method to calculate both crack tip stress and fracture toughness which were used to establish $J-A_2$ curve. The assessment curve predicted the fracture toughness of large specimens very well when compared to the test values. The results showed good prediction for deep crack specimen, though there were acceptable deviations in shallow cracked specimens, presumably caused by constraint effect. When the curve applied to reactor vessel in order to predict end of life fracture toughness with assumption of on-power pressure test condition, it provided the reasonable pressure compared to the existing design value. Better predictions would be possible if more test data were available.theory. For this application,