Abstract: A system and method are provided for real-time measurement of tool forces. A relationship between a motor characteristic and tool forces is determined by first directly measuring tool forces for a standard tool, work piece, and part program in a central facility. A force profile indicative of the tool forces and the standard tool, work piece, and part program are provided to a user at a user facility. The motor characteristic for a CNC machine at the user facility is then measured for the standard tool, work piece, and part program. Based on the force profile determined at the central facility, the relationship between the motor characteristic and tool forces is determined. Thereafter, the motor characteristic of the CNC machine is measured for a desired tool, work piece, and part program and converted to tool forces using the relationship between the motor characteristic and tool forces.