In experimental analyzes the pitting load capacity of case carburized spur and helical gears is determined in back-to-back test rigs. The research program with one type of spur and 8 types of helical gears includes tests for the determination of influences of varying load distribution, overlap ratio and transmission ratio. The test results are presented and evaluated on the basis of the pitting load capacity calculation methods of ISO 6336-2/DIN 3990, part 2. A new DIN/ISO compatible calculation method for pitting load capacity is presented. This new calculation method comprehends helical gears more adequate than ISO 6336-2 / DIN 3990, part 2 and has the possibility to consider tooth flank modifications. The new calculation method is applied on test results and gears of a calculation study. It shows better accordance with the experimental test results than the present ISO 6336-2 / DIN 3990, part 2.