The basic equations for the evaluation of surface displacement, strain and stress from holographic interferograms are derived. The object shape and the geometry of the optical setup are taken in to account. A corresponding computer program is described. Heterodyne holographic interferometry is used for fringe interpolation (better than 1/1000 of a fringe) to get sufficient accuracy and spatial resolution. Errors and accuracy of holographic strain and stress determination are discussed with the aid of the computer program. A cylindrical tube under pressure load is presented as a numerical example. © 1979 Society for Experimental Mechanics, Inc.