An apparatus for calibrating a sensor unit is provided, wherein the sensor unit includes a sensor housing, a first magnetic sensor and a second magnetic sensor, wherein the first magnetic sensor is adapted to detect magnetic field components in a first direction, wherein the second magnetic sensor is adapted to detect magnetic field components in a second direction, wherein the first direction is not parallel to the second direction. The apparatus further includes a magnetic field generating device, which is adapted so that at least one magnetic field acts on the sensor unit, wherein the calibration of the sensor unit can be carried out with the aid of responses of the first magnetic sensor and of the second magnetic sensor to the magnetic field. A corresponding calibration method is furthermore provided.