ESDU 83014 presents the failure criteria available for the strength assessment of individual layers of a fibre reinforced laminate in a state of uniaxial or biaxial plane stress. It allows the user to choose a criterion for which strength data are available or can be obtained economically. Details of eleven criteria are given in a consistent notation so highlighting their similarities and differences. Notes on their use together with failure envelopes are included. Guidance is given on the tests required to obtain the strength values required in the criteria. ESDU 83014 is intended for use directly with ESDU 94003 and 94004 in the stress analysis of laminated plates, and with ESDU 82025 on the failure modes of fibre reinforced laminates.