A method and a set-up apparatus for a tool for punching or forming sheet-form materials having a punch holder into which a punch of the tool is insertable and a die holder into which a die of the tool or a die carrier holding the die is insertable. The punch holder and the die holder are movable towards one another by a guide. The punch holder is transferred along the guide into a measuring position in which the punch rests on a surface of a measurement object which rests on the die. A distance of the punch holder is measured from a zero point of the die holder and a distance of the measurement object from the zero point. An evaluation device outputs a punch length of the punch and a die height of the die or a die height of the die arranged in the die carrier.