The nondimensional differential equations governing the buckling loads of tapered columns and its houndarv conditions are derived, in which the effects of shear deformations are included. These equations are solved numerically using a numerical integration technique and a bracketing method to obtain the buckling loads of columns. Four types of cross-sectional shape with clamped-free end constraint are used in the numerical examples. The parametric studies of shear deformation effects on the buckling loads such as cross-sectional shape factor, shear coefficient, ratio of modulus of elasticity, slenderness ratio and section ratio are reported in tables and figures.