A simple approach based on the scalar finite element method is described for the evaluation of the effective index, modal field profile, and far-field pattern of the guided mode of an optical rib waveguide and of the coupling efficiency of a butt-joint structure of two single-moded rib waveguides. Calculations are performed for several different rib waveguide structures, and the accuracy of the present approach is examined and assessed by comparing the results obtained with the other existing methods.