As one of the key components of CNC machine tools and precision measuring instruments, the rotary table can move parts to appropriate position to achieve efficient processing and measuring task. Its own accuracy is particularly important. Based on the principle of “three-rosette method”, an optimization measurement method for multi-DOF geometric errors of rotary table based on a ball plate artifact is proposed in this article. The measurement principle, separation and settlement method of geometric error of rotary table are described in detail. Experimental results show that the measurement results using 12 standard balls are consistent as those of 6 standard balls. The absolute difference of translation error of the table is not larger than 0. 13 μm, and the absolute difference of rotation error is not greater than 0. 25″. Finally, an autocollimator is used to measure the indexing error of the rotary table, and the results are compared with those based on ball plate artifact. Results show that the absolute difference of the measurement results obtained by the above different method is not greater than 3. 9″, which evaluates the accuracy of the multi-DOF geometric errors measurement method based on ball plate artifact.