In this paper, the influences of loading path and end friction on the stress distributions in a bi-axially compressed specimen in two-dimensions were analyzed. In multi-axial compression tests, the effect of end friction on the stress distribution is so large, that it is desirable to apply a lubricant to the contact surfaces between the platens and the specimen. The analytical results indicate numerous suggestions which might be useful in multiaxial compression tests with steel platens. In numerical analysis, the finite element method was employed.