A simple numerical method is applied to calculate the large deflection of a cantilever beam under an elastic-plastic deformation by dividing the deformed axis into a number of small segments. Assuming that each segment can be approximated as a circular arc, the method allows large deflections and plastic deformation to be analyzed. The main interests are the load-deflection relationship, curvature distribution along the beam and the length of the plastic region. The method is proved to be easy and particularly versatile. Comparisons with other studies are given.