By using electronic generative metrology, an hourglass hob measuring machine is developed based on the measuring principle of cylindrical-coordinate system. In the control of three moving axes, the machine allows a probe to move along the measuring path controlled by a closed loop system to obtain the data and implement the measurement. The working principle and constitution of the machine are introduced. The machine is based on a horizontal structure and consists of a granite base, a precision spindle, sliding guides and a closed-loop control system. An hourglass hob measuring software is developed to measure each deviation of the hourglass hob precisely. The practical measurement results indicate that the machine can inspect the cutting edge helix deviation, cutting edge tooth profile deviation and the circular pitch deviation, and the measurement uncertainties are 2.35 μm,2.45 μm and 2.94 μm，less than one third of the tolerances of the deviations in GB/T6084-2001, respectively. It satisfies the requirement of hourglass hobs with accuracy class AA for high precision measuring of each deviation and verifies the function and stabilization of the measuring machine. The machine can measure the hourglass worm, cylindrical worm and the cylindrical hob as well.