This article is intended to study the bending and vibration response of the exponentially graded FGM plate using the closed-form solution. The governing equations of motions are formulated on the basis of Hamilton's principle, whereas the Navier method has been used to solve the governing equation with simply supported boundary conditions. The results have been validated for non-dimensional deflection values of a square plate subjected to transverse loading. Apart from these, the exponential gradation model has been considered for calculating the effective material properties of a functionally graded plate and its mechanical properties are assumed to vary in the thickness direction. Bending analysis and non-dimensional frequency has been evaluated for various modes of vibration of functionally graded thin and thick plates. © 2022, Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.