The present invention describes a measuring method and device adapted for the positioning of a wheel adapted for mash seam resistance welding for the purpose of butt-joining strips of steel on continuous processing lines, comprising the following steps: positioning a rotating roller (34) which is fastened to a movable frame (3) in a measuring position, the measuring position being vertically below a reference wheel (MS); continuously vertically lowering (A) the reference wheel (MS) so that its lower surface comes into contact with the rotating roller (34) and produces a bearing force on the roller (34); continuously moving the roller (34) in the direction of lowering (A); repeatedly measuring a distance (D2) between an index (37), which is secured to a measuring arm (33) of the frame (3), and an articulated column (32) of the frame (3) during the continuous movement; comparing the distance (D2) with a distance threshold for each of the repeated measurements until the wheel (MS) reaches a first operating position in which the distance (D2) is equal to a predefined factor of the distance threshold; and recording the first operating position as a reference point in a system for the vertical movement of the reference wheel (MS).