Abstract: A textured rolling element bearing and method for determining a texture that improves bearing performance parameters. The bearing has a first bearing element with a first surface and a second bearing element with a second surface. The first surface is rollable with respect to the second surface and has a first predetermined macro-texture. The method steps include selecting a bearing performance parameter and establishing a corresponding bearing performance goal, prospectively defining a topography for the first surface and formulating and iteratively solving a contact model representing an elastic deformation of the first surface relative to the second surface based on a separation distance “h” between the first and second surfaces, a fluid model representing a pressure “p” of the lubricant between the first surface and the second surface; and a viscosity model representing a viscosity “&mgr;” of the lubricant based on the pressure of a lubricant between the two surfaces.