A method and apparatus for generating a three-dimensional FEM are provided. In the three-dimensional FEM generating method, a surface mesh is generated by meshing the surface of a three-dimensional model of a three-dimensional object. A projected contour is generated by projecting the three-dimensional model from one direction, and a projected contour mesh is generated by meshing the surface of the projected contour. A solid base mesh is generated by stacking solid elements on a base side formed of two-dimensional elements of the projected contour mesh. The surface mesh is substituted into the solid base mesh in alignment with the projected contour. A final solid mesh is generated by distinguishing solid elements surrounded by the surface mesh in the solid base mesh.