Since the elastic buckling problem of the plate has been studied both experimentally and theoretically, the buckling loads with various boundary conditions and loads can be easily determined. Currently, flange and web design specifications are based on the buckling stress and the post-buckling strength and include a safety-factor. Therefore, this study extended suchresearch to the linear buckling theory with ideal conditions and to the ultimate state with post-buckling. The current specifications are based on elastic buckling stress; and therefore, further research on the ultimate behavior of the plate is required. The ultimate strength design concept, which allows finite deflection, is used in this studyto maximize the post-buckling strength in a steel box. An empirical equation, which provides the ultimate strength of the steel box due to the change in the slenderness and optimum rigidity, are suggested based on the experiment results. Moreover, the appropriateness of the current design specifications was analyzed and discussed.