This paper describes the computational method to obtain load characteristics of permanent magnet synchronous motors including space harmonics. A time-stepping finite element technique including the rotor movement is proposed, where both terminal voltage and internal angle are given as the known values. In simulating the rotor movement, the suitable rotation step to take account of the effects of space harmonics, is determined. An agreement between calculated and measured results of the load characteristics in an experimental motor is good. As a result, it is clear that the computational method proposed is reasonable.