The mathematical formalism for obtaining dispersion relations for acoustic waves in plates of arbitrary anisotropy is outlined, and dispersion curves for propagation in a (001)‐cut cubic plate are presented. These results are compared to the uncoupled SV and P modes which, in turn, are related to the slowness curves for bulk waves. This approach provides an explanation for the behavior of the computed dispersion curves, and it also provides a means of approximating plate wave dispersion curves from the behavior of the slowness curves. The relationship of plate waves to surface waves is also explored for directions in which pseudosurface waves are known to propagate.