The generalized method of slices, commonly used in slope stability analysis, can be extended to determine active earth pressures applied to various types of supports. The governing force and moment equlibrium equations are given. In a similar manner to slope stability analysis, the methods of optimization are used to define the critical slip surface that is associated with the maximum wall pressure. Examples show that the approaches give active earth pressures identical to the Rankine solution for gravity walls. For other types of support, such as anchored or strutted walls, the earth pressure is determined by assigning appropriate locations of the point of application on the wall. It has been found that applying the restrictions of physical admissibility is more vital in earth pressure problems than in slope stability assessments.Key words: earth pressure, limit equilibrium method, the method of slices, retaining walls.