The invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of a crane brake, the crane comprising an electric motor (2) controlled by means of a frequency converter (10) for hoisting and lowering movements of the crane; an electromechanical brake (9) having an impact on said movements, the brake being opened when the motor is started for a hoisting or lowering operation; a load sensor (8) weighing a load (7) to be handled; and an overload protection connected to the sensor, the frequency converter (10) being used for calculating the torque of the motor (2), which information is compared with the load information, or weight, obtained from the load sensor (8).