An improved method for automatic adjustment of anodes in an electrolytic cell is described which utilizes the measurement of the rate of change in current density for a given unit of distance when a minor fraction of the anodes are lowered toward the liquid cathode. When the change in rate of current density exceeds a predetermined limit, movement of the minor fraction of anodes is stopped, and another minor fraction of anodes is adjusted.After positioning of the anodes is completed, control of the space between the anode and cathode is effected wherein current measurements and voltage measurements are obtained and compared with predetermined standards. Measurements of deviation from the predetermined standards are used to determine the direction of anode adjustment. A digital computer operably connected to motor drive means adapted to raise or lower anode sets upon appropriate electric signals from the computer is a preferred embodiment of this invention.