Currently in production engineering surface roughness parameters are evaluated in three-dimensions, however, equipment for these measurements is rather expensive and not always available. Furthermore, in many cases purchase of such 3D measurement equipment is not economically justified. Taking into account the above mentioned arguments, it is often needed to determinate 3D surface roughness parameters from the well know profile parameters (2D), by using common existing 2D surface roughness measurement equipment. The best solution for this is determination of 3D roughness parameters by using cross-section (or profile) method. This method shows good results in assessment of nanoroughness. Thus the following mean values of the microtopographical surface parameters can be calculated: roughness height; spacing parameters and form. Although this method is mainly applicable for the rough surfaces with the irregular character, it can be used for other types of rough surfaces too. Paper will cover overall methodological approach for the 3D surface roughness parameters, their calculations using surface cross-sections (cuts). Particular emphasis will be given to the correlations between the surface cross-section (profile) parameters and 3D parameters, as well as quantity choice of cross-cuttings and their orientation on the surface will be done. The first step will be choice the input data, which should ensure sufficient information sources for the determination of the roughness height, spatial and form parameters. In this case is necessary to know the linear function h(x,y) and matrix of the correlation momentum. The second step will be to analyse the 3D surface roughness parameters correlation with profile parameters, by using the above mentioned correlation momentum matrix. Geometrical orientation of cross-sections will be evaluated as well as preferable angles and disposition of these cross-sections.