Single-phase line-start permanent magnet (LSPM) synchronous motors have always been far less amenable to detailed computer-aided performance analysis compared with three-phase LSPM synchronous motors. The main reason is the lack of an accurate mathematical model of the motor characteristics arising from the unbalanced stator field and the rotor saliency. However, there is great potential for these types of motors to replace conventional single-phase induction motors in many domestic applications on account of their higher efficiencies when properly designed. In this paper, a new model,that is applicable to both synchronous and asynchronous operation of the motor is proposed in which the parameters can be readily obtained by the two-dimensional (2-D) static finite-element method (FEM). It includes both the forward and backward rotating magnetic fields. It can be used to analyze the torque versus slip characteristics and predict the steady-state performances of the motor quickly with reasonable accuracy. The model has also been extended to simulate the transient start-up process and other dynamic performances. The models are suitable for the initial design and optimization of the motor geometry because of its low run-time overheads. Experimental results have verified the practicability of the models.