We propose an algorithm for obtaining a triangular approximation of a trimmed NLRBS surface. Triangular approximation is used in the pre-processing step of many applications such as RP(Rapid Prototyping), NC(Numerical Control) and FEA(Finite Element Analysis), etc. The algorithm minimizes the number of triangular elements within tolerance and generates a valid triangular mesh for STL file and NC tool path generation. In the algorithm, a subdivision method is used. Since a patch is a basic element of triangular mesh creation, boundary curves of a patch are divided into line segments and the division of curves is applied for the interior of the surface. That is, boundary curves are subdivided into line segments and two end points of each line segment are propagated to the interior of the surface. For the case of a trimmed surface, triangulation is carried out using a model space information. The algorithm is superior because the number of elements can be controlled as the curvature of the surface varies and it generates the triangular mesh in a trimmed region efficiently. To verify the efficiency, the algorithm was implemented and tested for several 3D objects bounded by NURBS surfaces.