A grinding machine and a method for measuring and producing a target outer contour is disclosed, particularly for a pin-bearing journal of a crankshaft. First, a measurement device acquires measurement values for the dimensions and shape of a workpiece in at least two measurement planes that are spaced apart and extend transversely to a longitudinal extension of a workpiece region. The measurement planes are produced by a relative movement of the workpiece region and the measurement device in a Z axis direction, relative to the movement of a grinding disc in the direction of the Z-axis thereof. These measurement values are transmitted to a CNC system for advancing a grinding disc, such that any deviations from the target contour that may be present are corrected, and the target contour of the workpiece region in question is ground adaptively on the basis of the measurement values.