In this study a general Galerkin FE lubrication analysis method for the compressible Reynolds equation in cylindrical coordinates is presented. Then, the method is applied for analyzing lubrication performances of spiral groove dry gas seals. The effects of toning and number of groove on performance indices are evaluated at low and high rotating speeds: 3,600 and 15,000 rpm. Results show that, for the primary design consideration performances such as the opening force and axial and angular stiffnesses, a negative or small coning and a large number of groove are preferred.