A UBET program is developed for determining the optimum sizes of preform of a rib-web part in axisymmetric closed-die forging. The program consists of forward and backward tracing processes. In forward process, material flow, degree of die filling, and forging load are predicted. In backward tracing process, the optimum dimensions of initial billet and preform are determined from the final-shape data without flash. The above program is easy to handle input data with and is convenient to visualize the whole process of closed-die forging with. Experiments are carried out with pure plasticine billets at room temperature. The theoretical predictions of the forging load and the flow pattern are in good agreement with the experimental results.