This paper introduces a generalized approach for the sectional analysis of jacketing, based on the compatibility of lateral deformation of a jacketed column and jacket wall. The method is suitable to determine the magnitude and distribution of confining stresses provided by reinforced concrete or fiber reinforced polymer jackets at any stress level, and to estimate the ultimate resistance of strengthened columns subjected to axial compression. After the discussion of the theoretical bases of the proposed method, a simplified application is introduced. For validation of applicability and accuracy to predict ultimate capacity, comparison with a large number of experimental results with square‐ and circular‐shaped columns is presented. According to the comparisons, the average of the absolute values of relative errors of the proposed method is 8.34%. The calculation results are evaluated qualitatively as well to highlight relevant issues for jacket detailing and to point out possible future directions of developing adequate design methods.