This study aims to perform the characteristic evaluation of surface grinding for the STD11 material with experimental and analytic techniques based on the response surface model. The grinding force acting on the workpiece and the ground surface roughness were measured according to the change of grain size, table speed and depth of cut. The effect of spark-out on the grinding force and the surface roughness was also characterized. The frictional coefficient between workpiece and grinding wheel could be determined by the analysis of spark-out effect. From the experimental data, the second-order response surface models were developed to predict the grinding force and the surface roughness. Validation of the developed model was examined.