An analytical, approximate solution of the inviscid KZK equation, for a finite amplitude pulsed sound beam radiated by a Gaussian source, is obtained by means of the renormalization method. The method involves two main steps. First, the transient quasilinear field is obtained under an integral form. However, this weakly nonlinear approximation breaks down with increasing nonlinear effects. Its validity is then extended by inserting into it a nonlinear coordinate transform, so as to counterbalance nonuniform terms. The choice of the renormalization is made so as to handle, as best as possible, the formation of shock waves. Comparisons with the results of a finite‐differences scheme (‘‘Bergen code’’) show that, both on and off axis, for short and long pulses, the method is able to describe accurately the nonlinear distortion of the wave profile, the formation of shock waves, and their early evolution.