A speed controlling arrangement and method for a mechanical press. The press has a crankshaft revolution which can be subdivided in principle into a discharging and charging region and a working region with the speed of the mechanical press being controlled between a maximum admissible speed and a minimum possible speed. The speed of travel of the press ram is controlled so that the speed of the press ram during the press discharging and charging region permits a safe discharging and charging of the press. During the working region, the press ram travels at a maximum permissible speed such that a stoppage of the press between the discharging and charging region and the working region is unnecessary.