A single degree of freedom non-linear model is used for the dynamic analysis of a gear pair. Two methods are suggested and a computer program is developed for calculating the dynamic mesh and tooth forces, dynamic factors based on stresses, and dynamic transmission error from measured or calculated loaded static transmission errors. The analysis includes the effects of variable mesh stiffness and mesh damping, gear errors (pitch, profile and runout errors), profile modifications and backlash. The accuracy of the method, which includes the time variation of both mesh stiffness and damping is demonstrated with numerical examples. In the second method, which is an approximate one, the time average of the mesh stiffness is used. However, the formulation used in the approximate analysis allows for the inclusion of the excitation effect of the variable mesh stiffness. It is concluded from the comparison of the results of the two methods that the displacement excitation resulting from a variable mesh stiffness is more important than the change in system natural frequency resulting from the mesh stiffness variation. Although the theory presented is general and applicable to spur, helical and spiral bevel gears, the computer program prepared is for only spur gears.