<p>Different types of fibers play distinct roles at different cracking stages in cementitious composites. This study conducted extensive three-point bending fracture tests on specimens reinforced with varying proportions of steel and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers. Fracture characteristic parameters were statistically analyzed to evaluate the effects of steel and PVA fibers on the fracture behavior of hybrid fiber reinforced cementitious composites (HyFRCC), while the cracking process was further investigated using digital image correlation. A reliable meso‑scale numerical model was established to study the effects of long fiber orientation on crack propagation in HyFRCC and to explore the associated size effect. The results indicate that during the early cracking stage, PVA fibers promote the development of multiple cracks, thereby enhancing the crack initiation toughness, whereas steel fibers substantially improve energy dissipation in the post‑peak softening stage. Replacing PVA fibers with an equal volume of steel fibers markedly increases fracture energy, with minimal influence on crack initiation and peak load. Therefore, isovolumetric substitution of higher‑cost PVA fibers with more economical steel fibers shows economic benefits. Meso‑scale fracture simulations further reveal that variations in fiber orientation alter the local stress field near crack tips, thereby affecting crack propagation paths. As the specimen size increases, the nominal strength obtained by numerical beam models exhibit a typical size effect.</p>