A method for valve type recognition of a valve connected to an actuator, said valve being one of a first valve type and a second or further valve type. The actuator includes an actuator spindle which can be operatively connected to a valve rod. If the maximum allowable stroke of the actuator spindle is the same, or smaller than, a reference value then it is determined that the valve connected to the actuator is of the first valve type. If the maximum allowable stroke is larger than said reference value, the valve is determined to be of the second valve type. An actuator is provided for use in such a method.