A method for determining the compaction state of a subgrade to be compacted using a roller compactor comprising at least one compactor drum having an oscillation-inducing arrangement and rotatable about a drum axis of rotation comprising the following steps: during at least one period of oscillating movement of the compactor drum, repeatedly determining the acceleration of the compactor drum in an first direction, representing a first acceleration value; in association with each first acceleration value, determining an acceleration of the compactor drum in a second direction representing a second acceleration value in order to provide acceleration value pairs, each consisting of a first acceleration value and a second associated acceleration value; and for at least one oscillation period, defining a compaction state value representing the compaction state of the subgrade based upon the period of oscillation determined for said acceleration value pairs.