The genetic‐based approach to the modified resonant frequency calculation for E‐shaped and H‐shaped microstrip patch antennas is presented.Continuous parameter genetic algorithm (CPGA) has been used to modify the resonant frequency expressions of E‐shaped and H‐shaped microstrip antennas. The results obtained by CPGA for different antenna dimensions are compared with the experimental and theoretical results given in the literature. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2348–2351, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26271