This paper presents an analytical solution to the static analysis of functionally graded plates (FGPs) by using a new trigonometric higher-order theory in which the stretching effect is included. The governing equations and boundary conditions of FGPs are derived by employing the principle of virtual work. Navier-type solution is obtained for FGPs subjected to transverse bi-sinusoidal load for simply supported boundary conditions. Benchmark results for the displacements and stresses of geometrically different plates are obtained. The results are compared with 3D exact solution and with other higher-order shear deformation theories, and the superiority of the present theory can be noticed. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.