An expression is derived for the acoustic field scattered by a rigid sphere in an isovelocity fluid layer overlying a horizontally stratified medium. The result, valid when multiple scattering can be neglected, is expressed in terms of normal modes and plane‐wave scattering functions. It allows simple physical interpretation and straightforward numerical implementation. Sample numerical calculations are given for two cases typical of shallow‐water environments. Generalizations to a depth‐dependent sound velocity fluid layer and to nonrigid spheres are indicated. A second derivation is given for objects of nonspherical shape in a form similar to that of the rigid sphere. Hence, if the plane‐wave scattering functions for the object are known, the scattered field in a stratified medium can be calculated.