The system and method for measuring rolling resistance provide for the measurement of various properties associated with pre-rolling resistance. A cruciform pendulum is formed from a rigid rod having opposed upper and lower ends and a horizontal support extending orthogonal thereto. A pair of substantially hemispherical samples formed from a first material are mounted on opposing ends of the horizontal support. Flat, planar samples of a second test material are placed upon spaced apart supporting surfaces. The cruciform pendulum is suspended between the supporting surfaces with the hemispherical first material resting on the planar second material. The rigid rod is deflected from vertical and released to induce pendulum oscillations with the first material rolling on the second material. Based upon the measured angular deviations and periods of pendulum oscillations, coefficients of rolling friction, moments of rolling friction, hysteresis losses, adhesion and moments of elastic rolling resistance may be easily calculated.