Abstract: A blade (10) used in a steam turbine has a base (12) for attaching the blade to a hub (H), the blade extending radially outwardly from the hub to a distal, tip end (16). A plurality of holes (H1-Hn) extend a predetermined distance inwardly from the tip end of the blade into the body (18) of the blade. The holes are spaced across a chord (C) of the blade with the number of holes, their individual diameters, and their spacing being a function of the desired mass of the blade, local stress patterns formed at the tip end of the blade, the range of operating speeds of the turbine, vibrations and resonant frequencies created within the turbine, and a minimum wall thickness between the hole and sides (S1, S2) of the blade. The holes reduce the mass of the blade and lessen the forces to which the blade is subjected when the blade is rotating.