Pattern inspection equipment has at least a measured data generation unit for generating measured data from patterns that have been delineated on a sample according to design data, a reference data generation unit for generating reference data used to inspect the patterns from gradational data expressed in multiple gradation levels, and a fault decision circuit for comparing the measured data with the reference data. The reference data generation unit has a multi-valued pattern development circuit for developing the design data into the gradational data and a fine adjustment circuit for finely shifting the positions or adjusting the curvatures of pattern edges in the pattern constructed with the gradational data. The fine adjustment of the pattern edges is necessary to cope with slightly displaced edges and rounded corners of the actual patterns on the sample. These slightly displaced edges and rounded corners are caused through mask manufacturing processes and are frequently smaller than the size of a sensor pixel. To adjust the reference data to the displaced edges, a size modification circuit detects a maximum value in a specified area in the gradational data and modifies the size of the pattern constructed with the gradational data. To adjust the reference data to match with the actual rounded corners, a corner rounding circuit rounds corners in the pattern constructed with the gradational data. Also provided is a pattern inspection method for developing the design data into the gradational data, adjusting the gradational data to displaced edges and rounded corners of the actual patterns and preparing the reference data, and testing the patterns for faults. Further provided is a storage medium for storing a pattern inspection program for realizing the pattern inspection method.