A detailed parametric study of the elastic behavior of symmetric arches with hinged and fixed ends is presented herein. The study is restricted to parabolic arches of moderate and low rise (<.25 span) with prismatic cross-section subjected to a uniform dead load and a uniform live load which extends from the left support over a variable length. Both the dead and live loads are of uniform intensity on the horizontal deck of the arch. The effects of load magnitude, slenderness ratio, rise/span ratio, live/dead load ratio and length of live loading on the internal forces, displacements and reactions are investigated. Approximate equations to predict stresses and deflections are derived. Special study has been made of the occurrence of first yielding. The live load length, load magnitude and location on the arch axis corresponding to first yielding have been found for a wide range of parameters. Approximate procedures are presented for estimation of the load at first yielding. The analytical study was made with the use of a computer program. The information presented herein is expected to be useful for the design of arch bridges.