Abstract: In the method for introducing an operation for dressing a grinding wheel, actual differential value is formed from its infeed distance and the material removed from a workpiece, which value is compared with a desired differential value. As soon as the actual differential value is at least equal to the desired differential value, a signal for dressing the grinding wheel is generated. The grinding wheel can be used for the optimum length of time, because the actual degree of bluntness of the grinding wheel is taken into consideration in the measurement. The grinding wheel is seated on a feed carriage, the infeed distance of which is monitored by a measuring device. A further measuring device is provided for measuring the material removed from the workpiece. Both measuring devices are connected via a signal line respectively to a computer for a comparison of the desired value and actual value. The computer is provided with an output signal.