A variational formulation for a Timoshenko beam element is derived by the separation of the deformation mode into the bending deflection and shear deflection. Shear deflection is projected into bending deflection and the projection matrix is constructed by using the equilibrium equation and the relation of force and displacement. The exact stiffness matrix of the Timoshenko beam element can be obtained by the present method. Examples are solved in order to show the effectiveness of the beam element in comparison with other elements.