This paper numerically investigates the effect of sectional shape on the structural behavior of short concrete columns when subjected to axial loading. Seven concrete columns that possess the same cross-sectional area, longitudinal reinforcement ratio, tie-bar diameter, and spacing are analysed via Abaqus software. The concrete compressive strength is equal for all columns. The loading is applied at the plastic centroid of the cross-section. The results show that the plus-shaped cross-sectional column sustains the highest load, while the T-shaped section bears the lowest loading. The plus-shaped, square, rectangular, and circular columns endure a higher loading than the T-shaped ones by 12.3 %, 10.7 %, 10.7 %, and 8.7 %, respectively. Concerning the longitudinal displacement, the T-shaped column exhibits the highest shortening, while the octagonal section shows the minimum shortening. Failure of all columns occurs due to the yielding of the longitudinal bars, followed by a fracturing of the concrete. All columns roughly show the same cracking load, while the T-shaped section exhibits a higher displacement than others at the cracking state, followed by an L-shaped column. However, all other columns show the same longitudinal displacement at the cracking load.