A new technique and theory are proposed which correct orientation of a cylinder to perform a reliable measurement of the surface profile. We analyze characteristics of machined surfaces, e.g., ground, lapped and turned surfaces. Based upon the results. the optimum correction technique is derived by the statistical method. To verify the techinques, measurements are carried out by using the contact stylus profilometer on a controllable table. The measurement shows that surface information of cylinders can be acquired with high accuracy.