The greater rationality of limit states design as compared to working stress design is developed to show that limit states design leads to a more consistent probability of failure and that neither overly safe and therefore uneconomic structures nor structures with insufficient safety should result from this design methodology.This rationality is extended in the limit states design method in that the performance of the structure and its components is checked against the various limit states at the appropriate load levels. Thus the limit states of serviceability are checked at specified load levels and of strength and stability at the factored load levels.Functions are presented for the two sides of the inequality:A comparative design of a 20-storey structure selected to provide a wide range of variables shows that limit states design as proposed results in a structure comparable to that designed by working stress method with a moderate saving in the weight of steel. Some simple design examples are worked out to show the basic similarities between working stress design and limit states design and that the two methods are of about equal complexity or simplicity. It is believed, because the designer will have to check the ultimate resistance against the effect of the factored loads, that he will develop a greater awareness of the behavior of the material and members with which he is working.