In this paper we propose a new far-field RCS prediction method using cylindrical or planar near-field RCS data. First we derive the relation between RCS and the scattering coefficient using physical optics technique. The far-field RCS prediction algorithm is obtained by approximating the relation using the condition of Fresnel region and the paraxial constraint of scanning angle in the case of cylindrical or planar scanning. Finally we predict the far-field RCS using measured or calculated near-field RCS data of the conducting rectangular prism or plate. The validity of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated.