This paper provides d simplified engineering J estimation method fur semi-e1liptical surface cracked plates in tension, based on the reference stress approach. Note that the essential element of the reference stress approach is the plastic limit lead in the definition of the reference stress. However, for surface cracks, the definition of the limit load is ambiguous ("local" or "global"limit lead), and thus the most relevant limit load (and thus reference stress) for the J estimation should be determined. In the present work, such limit load solution is found by comparing reference stress bated J results with those from extensive 3-D finite element analyses. Validation of the proposed equation against FF J results based on tactual experimental tensile data of a 304 stainless steel shows excellent agreements not only far the J values at the deepest point but also for those at an arbitrary paint along the crack front, including at the surface point. Thus the present results provide a good engineering tool for elastic-plastic fracture analyses of surface cracked plates in tension.