For acquiring characteristic data of a pack (10), in particular of a cigarette pack, the latter is compressed between a pressure plate (26) and a bearing plate (27). The latter is connected to a load cell (28) in order to determine the applied force as a function of the distance traveled. The characteristic deformation data or change in force at a precise, constant downward movement of the pressure plate (26) yield a reproducible, characteristic image of the pack (10) in question.