According to a method for the surface compaction and calibration of a sintered component, the sintered component runs along an axis through a plurality of die sections of a die, the inner diameter of which decreases in pressing direction and wherein the individual die sections are arranged such that a following die section of the plurality of die sections directly adjoins the corresponding die section which precedes it in pressing direction, and after the surface compaction at the last die section with decreasing inner diameter there is a relaxation of the sintered component in a relief section directly adjoining the last die section, which relief section has a greater diameter than the immediately preceding last die section of the die section with a decreasing inner diameter. The sintered component is calibrated in the relief section, whereby the inner contour of the relief section corresponds with the intended contour with the nominal dimensions of the sintered component.