The prediction of bending stresses in a gear tooth@ resulting fxom an externally applied torque@ requires special consideration when designing spur gear systems. The tooth geometry is such that excess risers exist which must be accounted for. In addition@ variables affecting the exact loadpoint on the tooth and the directionof the applied load are critical. An interactive preprocessoris developed which generatesall the information@ including a detailed tooth profile@ necessary to perform a finite element bending stress analysis ofthe gear system. To validate the procedure@ a test group of spur gears is identified and analyzed. The results are then compared to those obtained via the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) standards. The comparison revealed the finite element stressesto be slightly more conservative than the corresponding AGMA standard stresses. A generalized stress equationand geometry factor@ based on the finite element approach@ are also introduced. This paper is intended only as a proof of concept.