A device for inspecting a profiled work pieces has a toothing, the profile metrologically detectable by the probe element of a profile probe. The profile and the profile probe are moved relative to one another and at right angles or tangentially to the measuring plane of the profile probe. The device measures work pieces having different numbers of teeth, modules and widths, directly after processing, on site and quickly, for accuracy and deviations, without special profiles for the toothing. The probe element of the profile probe can be applied to the profile of the work piece, can be applied to the profile edge of the work piece that is moving away from the probe element by the probe radius of the probe element, and subsequently, by the lateral surface of the probe element facing the profile edge opposite thereof, is configured so the probe element can be displaced from the profile gap.