It is a well-known fact that the eccentrically loaded column can sustain a greater load than that at which the maximum fiber stress reaches the yield stress of the material. In this paper, the ultimate strength of eccentrically loaded columns of circular hollow section was calculated and investigations were made into the following items:; 1. the effect of shape of cross section on the ultimate strength, 2. the ratio of the ultimate load to the load at which the maximum fiber stress reaches the yield stress, 3. the range of applicability of this method of calculation of the ultimate strength, with simplified assumption for local buckling, 4. the relation between the ultimate load and weight of the column.