We investigate the electroelastic response of a flat annular crack in a solid piezoelectric cylinder of finite radius under mode I loading. By the use of Fourier and Hankel transforms, the mixed boundary value problem is reduced to a singular integral equation. Numerical values on the stress intensity factor, energy release rate, and energy density factor for piezoelectric cylinders are obtained to show the influence of applied electric fields, and the results are presented in graphical form. Special cases of a penny‐shaped crack and a circumferential edge crack are also discussed.