Abstract: A general two-dimensional analytical method is proposed for the calculation of elastic stress distribution in unsymmetric single-lap adhesive bonded joints under tension. The complete strain-displacement and complete stress-strain equations for both adherends and adhesive-layer are simultaneously incorporated in the theory, not only including the effects of bending, stretching and shearing of the adherends but also accounting for the shearing and tearing actions in the adhesive. The approach provides a unified treatment for any possible adhesive layer flexibility and is capable of satisfying all the boundary conditions, including the stress-free condition at the ends of the bondline. The method may also be employed for other similar types of bonded joints. Satisfactory results were obtained when compared with elastic finite element analysis. The effects of the stiffness unbalanced parameters on the adhesive stress distributions are discussed.