A method of metering ink in offset printing machines having an ink cylinder with which a metering member adjustable into contact with the ink cylinder with a given pressure is associated, includes varying the contact pressure of the metering member against the ink cylinder as a function of at least one of the viscosity of the ink in a metering gap, the supply of dampening medium and the peripheral speed of the ink cylinder so that a constant specifiable thickness of ink film on the ink cylinder and a constant specifiable intensity of ink impression on the material to be printed is settable, and a device for carrying out the method.