In this paper we describe an experimantal study on the holding ability of rectangular plates as basic research for the study on the holding capacity of anchors. A series of pulling tests was carried out in wet sand, and the following results were obtained ; 1) The holding pull of vertical rectangular plates is approximately proportional to (Breadth of plate)×(Depth of plate)^3, and the empirical equation is expressed in the following form; T=αBD^3+k Where T: Holding pull B: Breadth of plate D: Depth of plate α, k: Constant 2) The holding pull of rectangular plates with attack angles is also approximately proportional to (Breadth of plate)×(Vertical projection of depth of plate about the sea bed)^3, and the empirical equation is expressed in the same form as vertical plates. 3) Lifting force on these plates is approximately proportional to the holding pull. 4) The center of pressure acting on plates is mainly concentrated on 0.6〜0.7D under the sand floor.