Theoretical foundation for the buckling load determination in reinforced concrete columns is described and analytical solutions for buckling loads of the Euler-type straight reinforced concrete columns given. The buckling analysis of the limited set of restrained reinforced concrete columns is also included, and some conclusions regarding effects of material non-linearity and restrain stiffnesses on the buckling loads and the buckling lengths are presented. It is shown that the material non-linearity has a substantial effect on the buckling load of the restrained reinforced concrete columns. By contrast, the steel/concrete area ratio and the layout of reinforcing bars are less important. The influence on the effective buckling length is small.