This paper proposes an efficient algorithm for deriving inverse kinematics equation of 5-axis machine. Because the joint order and direction of 5-axis machine are different for each type of machine, each type of machine needs its own inverse kinematics equation for post-processing of NC data. Also derived inverse kinematics equation may cause problems of indeterminate and inconsistent solution. In order to resolve these problems, we have developed a generic method to derive direct kinematics equation by considering orthogonal joints of 5-axis machines. Using this method, we also have proposed a general algorithm for deriving inverse kinematics equation for various types of 5-axis machines.