In this study, stress analysis and strength prediction were performed for carbon/epoxy laminates with holes in specific orientations using experimental and numerical techniques. The interaction between the holes was studied with reference to their positions and load direction. The maximum laminate stress at the edge of the holes was identified for different hole orientations. The critical region was determined by considering the maximum stress location at the hole edges. Linear and non-linear behavior around the hole edge was investigated by strain gauge measurements for different hole orientations. Final failure load was predicted for specimens with specific hole orientations by using the point stress criteria (PSC) method. Furthermore, the extended PSC (EPSC) method was proposed to predict the failure load for the specimens with specific hole orientations. The EPSC method was verified by experimental study. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd