A more flexible grounding resistance calculation method based on finite element analysis (FEA) method is suggested which is especially suitable for calculating grounding resistance of cathodic protection (CP) anodic bed. Traditional cathodic protection anodic bed grounding resistance calculation method mainly based on ideal theoretical equation can only be applied for the cases with each anode rod lining in a straight line. But the FEA method can be used in calculating grounding resistance of anodic bed at any arrangement. Moreover a realistic soil resistivity usually varying with depth can be included in numerical model. The detailed steps for this numerical method can be detailed as follow: building a 3D geometric model according to general design meshing the geometric model setting reasonable boundary conditions solving and post-solving the grounding resistance with ohmic law. To further explain this procedure a realistic CP anodic bed design project is presented designing a compact anodic bed within a limited area (5m×30m). Firstly a compact anodic bed design pattern with 14 anode rods in two parallel lines (2×7) is calculated with FEA method. The results show that this design can not meet the grounding resistance target. Another 4 designs with anode rods arranged as 2×6 2×8 2×9 3×6 are calculated respectively. Finally the design l2×8 is recommended from the view of economy and practicability.