This paper presents analytical formulations and solutions for the static analysis of functionally graded plates (FGPs) using higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT) without enforcing zero transverse shear stress on the top and bottom surfaces of the plate. The theoretical model presented herein incorporates the transverse extensibility which accounts for the transverse effects. The equations of equilibrium and boundary conditions are derived using the principle of virtual work. Solutions are obtained for FGPs in closed-form using Navier’s technique. The results are compared with the other HSDTs for deflections and stresses. It can be concluded that the proposed theory is accurate and efficient in predicting the static responses of functionally graded plates. The results show that, the effect of transverse shear deformation is quite significant at side-to-thickness ratio less than 10 on maximum center deflections and stresses and the response of FGPs is intermediate to that of ceramic and metal plates.