In this paper,based on the geometric nonlinear behavior of cable structures,a finite element method with four-node isoparametric element was presented,the third order polynomial was used as displacement functions and initial curve of the element.By means of the principle of virtual work and the updated Lagrangian method,the authors derived the finite element equations,and solved them by Newton-Raphson method.The proposed model leads to high precision and can meet the engineering requirements.The model presented in this paper can be applied in the analysis of long-span tension structures,such as cable structures,cable domes and so forth.