In the present investigation the experimental and theoretical flexural and compressive behavior of short tubular steel columns filled with plain concrete and fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) was examined. For a given length of the members, the effects of different geometry and dimensions of the transverse cross-section (square and circular) were investigated. Constituent materials were characterized through direct tensile tests on steel coupons and through compressive and split tension tests on concrete cylinders. Load-axial shortening and load-deflection curves were recorded for unfilled and composite members. Finally, simplified expressions for the calculus of the load-deflection curves based on the cross-section analysis were given and the ultimate load of short columns was predicted.