Low-frequency sound radiation from vibrating plates is a practical problem often found in engineering applications. In this article, the sound radiation from a circular hatchway is examined using a discrete approach based in the acoustic resistance matrix. Since this matrix can be combined with the volume velocity vector on the discretized vibrating circular surface, the sound radiation efficiency can be estimated through matrix approaches. The limitation of the approach is discussed by using benchmark results presented in previous works. The method produces acceptable results in low frequencies when the response of the plate is dominated by one low structural mode. When the response of more than one mode is significant, the method gives good estimation of the total sound power just for frequencies up to the first resonance. However, the method can be applied to complex and irregular vibrating plane surfaces.