AbstractIn the present paper it is shown how to achieve special interpolation functions that can be applied to the finite element method, least squares methods or other related numerical techniques. We call these functions sequential interpolation functions since one of the main characteristics of this technique refers to the fact that the refinement of the solution does not require the redefinition of the interpolation funtions used in a previous step, as the case for instance in the FEM.The present theory and the FEM using an isoparametric element were compared for a plane stress problem. The results show that both have the same degree of accuracy. The choice of the sequential interpolation functions is easier than those used in the finite element formulation and the computer time was reduced by about 50 per cent.