In a coordinate measuring machine or any other kind of machine having at least one translational movement axis, correction values are determined by moving the mobile head of the machine along a defined path of movement. First and second position data are recorded by means of first and second position measuring devices. The first position data originate from position measuring devices of the machine. The second position data result from a reference measurement. The correction values are determined as a function of the first and second position data. A defined number of correction values is determined for each section of the path of movement, with the defined number varying in the sections as a function of the error profile defined by the correction values.