In this paper, an inspection method for detecting machine setting errors such as tool setting and workpiece setting errors in spiral bevel gear cutting in a Klingelnberg cyclo-palloid system is proposed. In this method, the coordinates of many points on the gear tooth surface are measured and a theoretical gear tooth surface expressed as a function of the machine settings is estimated by the method of least squares so that the surface fits the measured data. The deviations of the estimated machine settings from the design settings are considered to be the machine setting errors. The machine setting errors in gear cutting were detected using this method and corrective cutting which compensated for the errors was carried out. As a result, more accurate gears could be obtained.