A method for producing a metal belt, in which the metal belt is ground at least on one side over essentially the entire surface. In a first step, a transverse curvature in the direction of the belt width is produced on the metal belt by straightening machining, wherein a first side of the metal belt is convexly shaped and a second side of the metal belt opposite the first side is at least planar or concave in shape, and in a second step, the course of the belt thickness in the direction of the belt width is changed to a uniform course of a value of the belt thickness.