The flow pattern of a fluidized bed with non-fluidized zones is investigated both experimentally and theoretically. Experiments were carried out in such a way that air was introduced only through part of the distributor. The results show a significant amount of air flowing to the zone where no air is introduced. However, once the gas velocity exceeds the minimum fluidization velocity in the zone where the air is introduced, the cross-flow hardly changes upon further increase of the gas velocity. A continuity equation and Ergun’s equation are used to describe the flow pattern and pressure distribution over the bed. Very good agreement between the experimental and calculated results is achieved without any fitting parameter. The results are relevant to the understanding of heat transfer behaviour of a fluidized bed combustor (FBC) that is only partly fluidized to control its load.