Abstract: A device for compensating an axial thrust in a turbomachine is described. A compensating piston is disposed in a compensation chamber and contains at least one radial seal operant between a rotor and a housing of the turbomachine in addition to a running wheel secured to the rotor. An axial seal is provided between a side surface pertaining to the compensating piston and the housing. An axial gap width is variable in the same manner as the axial displacement of the running wheel occurring during operation and the compensating piston is impinged upon by the pressure prevailing in the compensating chamber according to the axial gap width.