In this paper a finite element formulation for transient analysis of journal bearings is described. The formulation can be used for partial or full-arc bearings with oil-supply hole and oil-feed grooves, with tapered or misaligned journal, and with elliptical or eccentric bearings. An important feature of this analysis is relatively low computing cost. The analysis is followed by an illustrative example in which 17 different cases of a connecting-rod bearing are solved.