In-plane tension fatigue tests(R=0.1) were carried out to investigate the initiation and growth behaviors of very small surface fatigue cracks on smooth unnotched surfaces of type 304 stainless steel at room temperature. The present paper deals with the unification of two approaches to the analysis of fatigue: the one approach is based on fracture mechanics concept and the other on low-cycle fatigue concept. The results are;(1)Maximum crack length, 2 $a_{max}$, initiated at a very small surface scratch not exceeding 20 .mu.m which can exist on the surface after buffing. And the density of small surface crack is remarkably low compared to that of mild steel. (2) The growth rate, d(2a)/dN, of very small fatigue cracks can be represented by one straight line as a function of either stress intensity factor range, .DELTA. $K_{I}$ or cyclic total strain intensity factor range, .DELTA. $K_{epsilon}$$_{I}$/, for various values of the nominal stress range.e.e.e.e.