In an attempt to find an explanation for an experimentally found strong connection between the extension of the loaded area and the load required for fracture, an analysis of the diametral compression test was carried out by means of the finite element method. The distribution of the stresses in a quadrant of a circular specimen section was studied for varying contact surface but at a given load distribution within this surface. Below a limit value for the width of the contact surface tensile stresses appeared peripherically outside the contact area, which had a magnitude exceeding those stresses which are centrally located and should normally initiate fracture. For that reason, peripherical fracture initiation must be regarded as a possibility. Only marginal importance could be attached to changes in the extension and magnitude of the central tensile stresses, as compared with the potential impact of the peripherical tensile stresses.