From the viewpoint of linear fracture mechanics, the crack propagation behavior of two different structures having the same K-a relationship could be considered identical. In this study the stress distribution in an infinitely wide cracked plate with the same K-a relationship as in a real structure is defined as the equivalent stress distribution. Fatigue life of a real structural element can be predicted by applying the equivalent stress distribution to a simple structural element, and performing a fatigue crack propagation analysis. The K-a relationship for a structural member can be estimated by a finite element method or a simplified prediction method. The validity to obtain effective crack driving stresses by using the equivalent stress-distribution is examined.