Abstract For investigation of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell anode and cathode pressure effect on cell performance, a quasi two-dimensional, isothermal model is developed. The main solution domain is divided into two individual regions (channel and proton exchange membrane), subsequently by using two-one-dimensional models; each of these regions is modeled. The method is based on analytical methods combined with numerical techniques. For validation of modeling, an experimental setup was developed. Comparing the results with the experimental set-up has shown good agreement and acceptable accuracy of the method. Analytical results revealed that 5 bar pressure for anode and cathode sides have the best proton exchange membrane fuel cells performance.