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A computer program, CALFEM, is presented. This interactive computer program is designed as a tool for teaching of the finite element method. No programming knowledge is needed. The program is well suited to solve problems in structural mechanics and for solution of field problems. A variety of finite elements is available. One objective when designing CALFEM was that the user shall understand every part of the computational procedure. The program is based on a command language. All information is stored in user‐defined matrices created by usage of commands. Required input to matrices are given on request from the program. The contents of the matrices can be looked upon at any time and new decisions can be made in the course of the run. The user of the program determines in which way he wants to proceed with the calculation process by choosing proper commands. This means that everything in the computational procedure is under the direct control of the user. This is in contrast to many conventional ‘black box’ finite element programs. Commands can be stored on user‐defined secondary storage files. The files can be edited in CALFEM and be used further on in the calculation procedure. The program is written in FORTRAN 77 and all calculations are performed in double precision.