In the force method of analysis, primary unknowns are forces and compatibility of displacements is written in terms of pre-selected redundant reactions and flexibility coefficients using force displacement relations. Solving these equations, the unknown redundant reactions are evaluated. The remaining reactions are obtained from equations of equilibrium.

As the name itself suggests, in the displacement method of analysis, the primary unknowns are displacements. Once the structural model is defined for the problem, the unknowns are automatically chosen unlike the force method. Hence this method is more suitable for computer implementation. In the displacement method of analysis, first equilibrium equations are satisfied. The equilibrium of forces is written by expressing the unknown joint displacements in terms of load by using load displacement relations. These equilibrium equations are solved for unknown joint displacements. In the next step, the unknown reactions are computed from compatibility equations using force displacement relations.

In the displacement method of analysis, primary unknowns are joint displacements which are commonly referred to as the degrees of freedom of the structure. It is necessary to consider all the independent degrees of freedom while writing the equilibrium equations. These degrees of freedom are specified at supports, joints and at the free ends.