A method is reported for verifying and controlling the accuracy of the calibration parameters, operating in image acquisition, for drop and bubble shape-analysis tensiometry. An error, impartially affecting the calibration parameters of both Cartesian axes, results in a squared error for the determined surface tension. Moreover, in the case where the calibration factors are affected by different errors, the determined value of surface tension is definitely unreliable, depending on the drop (or bubble) size and showing spurious in-phase or out-of-phase alterations. A procedure is illustrated for correcting the calibration parameters, on the basis of the observed results for a reference liquid. Method and procedure are validated by numerical examples. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.