The present invention relates to a method for controlling a pressurized water reactor (100) comprising the steps that involve measuring the effective power (Pe) of the nuclear reactor; acquiring a reference value for the desired power (Pc); acquiring an estimated duration (DURATION) for the increase in power in order to achieve said reference value of the target power (Pc) desired, said estimated duration (DURATION) corresponding to the time taken for the power to increase from said effective power (Pe) to said reference value for the target power (Pc); determining the reference position (Z) of at least one control rod cluster among said plurality of control rod clusters (40) in order to achieve said reference value for said target power (Pc) desired as a function of said estimated duration (DURATION), of said measured effective power (Pe) and of said reference value for said target power (Pc); monitoring the position of said at least one control rod cluster so as to position it in its reference position (Z).