This study aims to investigate, using finite element method, the effects of stiffeners on behavior of column base plates subjected to axial load and bending moment. Parameters considered in the analysis included stiffener location, slope of the stiffener, and thickness of the base plate. Analysis results indicated that small slope of the stiffener had insignificant effect on the base plate. However, the stiffeners located at the tip of the column flange can diminish the stress state of the base plate as well as the stress concentration occurred at the weld for the column flange. Moreover, the plastic hinge occurred on the column can be shift up through the use of the stiffeners. The stiffeners can also reduce the design thickness of the base plate calculated using the AISC design specifications.