An closed-form solution of simply supported FGM plates under thermal loads is developed based on medium-thick plate assumption. Further to assume constant Poisson's ratio and thermal expansion coefficient, the closed-form solutions of the FGM plates with through-the-thickness Young's modulus under temperature change in x-and z-directions are evaluated, expressed in terms of the thermal axial force and thermal bending moment. The closed-form solutions confirmed by finite element analysis give a complete insight into the thermal-mechanical behavior of FGM plates. Hence, the deflection, strain, stress, axial force, and bending moment of the FGM plate under thermal loads in axial and thickness directions are discussed. Results show that the use of FGM makes the maximum stress from the top or bottom surface move to the inner portion of the FGM plate, and significantly reduces the maximum stress of the plates. Moreover, although the FGM plate is subjected to thermal load in the thickness direction, the deflection of the FGM plate can be zero if properly choosing the steep material gradation from the obtained closedform solution.