An accurate prediction of tray hydraulics is very important for large diameter trays design, and vapor cross-flow channeling (VCFC) is one of the key points that affect the hydraulics calculation. Therefore, in this article, a theoretical analysis was first conducted to reveal that the energy of gas-liquid on the tray was closely related to its flow state. Then, a model was obtained on the basis of the principle of the lowest energy, which can be used to calculate VCFC. The model shows that the ratio of dry tray pressure drop to liquid height on a tray determines the gas distribution on the tray. Finally, the model was tested by comparisons with experimental results available in reference. The agreements are good. Furthermore, the effects of liquid load and fractional hole area on VCFC were studied. The results are consistent with the field experience summarized in literatures. (c) 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 1032-1042, 2015