Abstract: The machine determines the cross sectional shape and area of an elongated wire or cable-like product by rotating the product about its longitudinal axis. A laser beam is directed at the longitudinal axis for transmitting a laser beam at the peripheral surface of the product at a plurality of predetermined angular increments during rotation of the product, e.g., 5000 times per revolution. The laser beam impinges on the plurality of points on the peripheral surface and is reflected from the peripheral surface to a laser receiver which is connected to a processor. The processor calculates the distance of the laser to the peripheral surface at each of the plurality of points whereby the magnitude of a radius of the product is obtained at each of the points.