A new genetic-based algorithm (GA) for estimating synchronous machine parameters from frequency tests is presented in this paper. GAs are general search techniques based on biological concepts and are very suitable for solving optimization problems. The proposed method uses a set of digital measurements for the direct axis impedance magnitude and phase as functions of frequency for estimating both the d- and q-axis parameters, such as direct reactance and time constants. The problem is formulated as an optimization problem and solved using the proposed method. Two different models along with different fitness functions are suggested to be used with the genetic algorithm. A practical example from the literature is used to test the proposed algorithm. The results obtained are compared with those given in the literature using other methods. The results and comparison show that the new algorithm is very applicable and highly accurate.