A provisional elongation strain difference distribution Δε(x) of a metal strip during rolling is found under conditions in which out-of-plane deformation of the metal strip is restrained. A critical buckling strain difference distribution Δε.sub.cr(x) is found based on the provisional elongation strain difference distribution Δε(x), a strip thickness and strip width of the metal strip, and tension acting on the metal strip at exit from a rolling mill. In cases in which the provisional elongation strain difference distribution Δε(x) exceeds the critical buckling strain difference distribution Δε.sub.cr(x), the difference between the provisional elongation strain difference distribution Δε(x) and the critical buckling strain difference distribution Δε.sub.cr(x) is found, and this difference is added to the provisional elongation strain difference distribution Δε(x) to find a true elongation strain difference distribution Δε′(x). Rolling conditions are set based on the true elongation strain difference distribution Δε′(x), and the metal strip is rolled, thereby controlling the profile of the metal strip.

A provisional elongation strain difference distribution (x) of a metal strip during rolling is found under conditions in which out-of-plane deformation of the metal strip is restrained. A critical buckling strain difference distribution .sub.cr(x) is found based on the provisional elongation strain difference distribution (x), a strip thickness and strip width of the metal strip, and tension acting on the metal strip at exit from a rolling mill. When the provisional elongation strain difference distribution (x) exceeds the critical buckling strain difference distribution .sub.cr(x), the difference between the provisional elongation strain difference distribution (x) and the critical buckling strain difference distribution .sub.cr(x) is found, and added to the provisional elongation strain difference distribution (x) to find a true elongation strain difference distribution (x). Rolling conditions are set based on the true elongation strain difference distribution (x), and the metal strip is rolled, thereby controlling the metal strip's profile.