Summary: A comparative analysis of the efficiency of the use of isoparametric finite elements and elements which geometrical characteristics are calculated using exact formulas is presented for the case of shells allowing rigid displacements under loading. Triangular and quadrangular finite elements are considered. The presented calculations for the case of an ellipse of revolution and a cylinder leaning on a spring support allow to draw a conclusion on the necessity of the use of the finite elements which geometrical parameters are calculated using analytical formulas combined with vector interpolation of translations.