In a method for determining configuration-dependent and state-dependent microscope parameters which are influenced by a plurality of microscope components that are arranged in the optical path of a microscope, it is the object of the invention to design the quantification method for the microscope parameters in a universally usable manner, i.e., so as to be applicable in an improved manner for microscopes of different constructions. After preparing a microscope-specific tree structure of the optical paths which proceeds from an object to be observed and extends from the start of the illumination beam paths to the end of the observation beam paths, the positions of the microscope components in the tree structure and components preceding and succeeding each of the microscope components are determined. Proceeding from a starting point in the tree structure, the degree of influence exerted on the microscope parameter to be determined is determined recursively along a chain of preceding components or succeeding components as a partial contribution for each microscope component exerting an influence in order to determine from the partial contributions the total influence exerted on the microscope parameter by the microscope components.