Finite element analysis is carried out for cylindrical shells with large openings subjected to axial tension. By utilizing a parametric study, the paper investigates the effect of the opening, on the stresses in cylindrical shells. It has been found that any increase in (a/R) ratio has produced a correspondent increase in the stress concentration factor. This is particularly true for higher values of curvature parameter. Comparing with analytical solutions are also made and the overall agreement between the two sets of results is reasonably good.