1. A method for selecting at least one steel grade from a stock of data, stored in a memory, for a population of a plurality of steel grades using a data processing device, having the following steps: a) displaying a selection device ( 11 ) which can be operated by a user on a display means ( 12 ) that can be used to set values for at least two steel grade features which respectively denote the steel grades; b) querying the stock of data for a steel grade for which the stock of data stores values for steel grade features which correspond to the set values of the steel grade features or which fulfill conditions which are dependent on the set values; and c) if said query is satisfied by at least one steel grade and in so far as said at least one steel grade fulfills at least one further condition, displaying said at least one steel grade or information representing said at least one steel grade on the display means ( 12 ).