Both experimental and analytical methods were employed to evaluate the residual strength and residual stiffness of reinforced concrete columns after different durations of fire. Twenty‐five columns were first exposed to fire and then tested under concentric axial loads or eccentric axial loads. The results were compared with those obtained from the analytical method. The comparison showed that the analytical appraoch is acceptable. It also indicated that fire duration and section size and amount of significantly affect the degree of deterioration of strength and stiffness of columns. The proposed stress‐strain curve for concrete after fire in this study was proven to be reasonable.