In a method for operating an internal combustion engine having multiple combustion chambers and an injector for injecting fuel associated with at least one combustion chamber, an excess air factor which is individual for each combustion chamber is adjusted for the at least one combustion chamber, and a torque which is individual for each combustion chamber is ascertained for the at least one combustion chamber. A control period of the injector is adapted for the injector by ascertaining a valve opening period in such a way that tolerances of the injector are at least essentially compensated for with respect to a relationship between the control period and the valve opening period.