Abstract: A method for determining the bias angle of the oblique metal reinforcing elements in annular belt layers located in crown areas of pneumatic tires that includes cutting a transverse tire section and preparing the cut edges so that the individual elements are clearly defined, securing a strip of paper, co-extensive with the tread portion on the peripheral surface thereof, locating and marking radial centerlines on the cut edges and connecting same so as to form a longitudinal centerline on the paper strip; applying one probe end of an electrical conductivity meter to one end of a selected element on one of the cut edges and locating the corresponding end of this element on the other cut edge via the other probe end, drawing lines, parallel to the radial centerlines to the edges of the paper strip and connecting same with an oblique line across the noted longitudinal centerline thus permitting measuring of the bias angle therebetween.