A method for measuring flatness deviations and curvature directions of components in a punching machine including an upper tool and a lower tool forming a die including a central die part, the method including measuring a distance between an upper starting position of the upper tool and the die and placing a component to be measured onto the die. The upper tool is moved from the upper starting position until an increase in force being exerted on the upper tool indicates contact between the upper tool and the component, and a path of the upper tool until it contacts the component is measured. The distance of the upper tool to the die and the path traversed by the upper tool until contacting the component with a starting thickness of the component are compared and whether the central die part has moved downwards or remains in its starting position is checked.