In seismic design and structural assessment using the displacement-based approach, real structures are simplified into equivalent single-degree-of-freedom systems with equivalent properties, namely period and damping. In this work, equations for the optimal pair of equivalent properties are derived using statistical procedures on equivalent linearization and defined in terms of the ductility ratio and initial period of vibration. The modified Clough hysteretic model and 30 artificial accelerograms, compatible with the acceleration spectra for firm and soft soils, defined by the Japanese Design Specifications for Highway Bridges are used in the analysis. The results obtained with the proposed equations are verified and their limitations are discussed.