A retrieval method targeted for partial characteristic shapes existing in a polyhedral shape is provided. The method converts inputted shape model data into triangular mesh data, extracts and classifies triangular mesh data groups that form the partial characteristic shapes. The method calculates the characteristic amount of the triangular mesh data groups that represent the classified partial characteristic shapes and then calculates the difference between the characteristic amount of the triangular mesh data groups and the characteristic amount of a query shape to display a partial characteristic shape that has a small difference in the characteristic amount or the query shape. Furthermore, the method displays a list of candidates for similar shapes based on the difference value of the characteristic amount.