In this paper the method of estimating the bearing capacity of shallow foundation on a finite layer of sandy ground underlain by a rigid base was proposed by assessing results of the model test and the numerical analyses. For model experiments, the centrifuge tests under 1g and 20 g of gravitational levels were performed with sandy soils sampled from the field, changing the relative density of sandy soil and the ratio of thickness of sand layer (H) to the width of strip footing (B). As results of tests, bearing capacity tends to increase with the value of H/B while settlement for a given load intensity decreases. Bearing capacity also increases with relative density of the soil. In order to propose the method of estimating the bearing capacity of thin sandy layer underlain by a rigid base, values of bearing capacity factors from test results were compared with the values of modified bearing capacity factor by Mandel & Salencon (1972) considering the effect of H/B value on bearing capacity. The relation of bearing capacity factor ratio, normalizing friction angle of sandy soil, with the value of H/B was suggested so that this relation could be applied to design in the safe side. The results of numerical analyses obrained by changing the layout of footing, relative density of sandy soil and the value of H/B, were in good agreements with the suggested relation.