In an axially loaded tension member, the stress is given by:

F = P/A
where P is the magnitude 10 (Hati) of the load and A is the cross-sectional area.
The stress given by this equation is exact, knowing that the cross section is not adjacent to the point
of application of the load nor having holes for bolts or other discontinuities. For example, given an
8 x 11.5 plate that is used as a tension member (section a-a) and is connected to a gusset plate with
two 7/8-inch-diameter bolts (section b-b):
The area at section a - a (gross area of the member) is 8 x = 4 in2
However, the area at section b - b (net area) is (8 2 x 7/8) x = 3.12 in2
knowing that the higher stress is located at section b - b due to its smaller area.