A way to measure the second parameter $A_2$of CT specimens is described. The displacement $delta$$_{5}$ which is measured continuously from visual images of the lateral surface during crack growth is used to calculate the A, as a function of crack growth. The crack length is measured by DCPD(Direct Current Potential Drop) method and the J-resistance curve is determined according to ASTM standard E1737-96. To prove the validity of this method, three dimensional finite element analyses were performed, and variations of the displacements $delta$$_{5}$ and $A_2$along the thickness were explored. As the result, it has been shown that the $delta$$_{5}$ measured from the visual images of the lateral surface and the corresponding $A_2$can be regarded as the average through the thickness for 1T and 1/2T specimens of SA106Gr.C steel.steel.