In this study, an algorithm which can be applied to the optimum design of simple steel plate girders was developed, and efficient optimization strategies for the solution of algorithm were found out. The optimum design algorithm consists of 3-levels of optimization. In the first and second levels of optimization, the absolute maximum bending moment and shearing force are extracted and in the third level of optimization, the optimum cross section of steel plate girder is determined. For the optimum design of cross section, the objective function is formulated as the total area of cross section and constraints are derived in consideration of the various stresses and the minimum dimension of flange and web based on the part of steel bridge in the Korea standard code of road bridge. Sequential unconstrained minimization technique using the exterior penalty function method(SUMT-EP), sequential linear programming(SLP) and sequential quadratic programming (SQP) are proved to be efficient and robust strategies for the optimum design of simple plate girder cross section. From the reliable point of view, SLP is the most efficient and robust strategy and SQP is the most efficient one from the viewpoint of converguency and computing time.