A shape measuring apparatus for eyeglass element is configured to three-dimensionally measure an inner circumferential contour shape of an eyeglass element. The apparatus includes a holder which holds the eyeglass element; a measuring element which traces a shape of the eyeglass element; a driver for the measuring element; a position detector which detects a position of the measuring element; an arithmetic controller which processes positional data on the measuring element and controls the driver to slide the measuring element, a moving amount detector which detects a moving amount of the measuring element per unit time when the measuring element moves towards the eyeglass element; and a movement controller which controls the measuring element to move at a desirable speed which corresponds to the moving amount per unit time detected by the moving amount detector.