In this study, the buckling analysis of the simply supported truncated conical shell made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) is presented. The FGM truncated conical shell subjected to an axial compressive load and resting on Winkler-Pasternak type elastic foundations. The material properties of functionally graded shells are assumed to vary continuously through the thickness. The modified Donnell type stability and compatibility equations are solved by Galerkin's method and the critical axial load of FGM truncated conical shells with and without elastic foundations have been found analytically. The appropriate formulas for homogenous and FGM cylindrical shells with and without elastic foundations are found as a special case. Several examples are presented to show the accuracy and efficiency of the formulation. Finally, parametric studies on the buckling of FGM truncated conical and cylindrical shells on elastic foundations are being investigated. These parameters include: power-law and exponential distributions of FGM, Winkler foundation modulus, Pasternak foundation modulus and aspect ratios of shells. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.