The torque characteristics of a surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (SPMSM) are analyzed in this study. The harmonics of the back electromotive force (EMF) and cogging torque are analyzed by the finite element method to study their effects on the torque ripple. Although low cogging torque can be achieved by varying geometric parameters such as the permanent magnet (PM) offset and notch depth on the stator teeth, the torque ripple is increased in some cases. The analysis results show that the ripple of the generated torque is determined by not only the amplitudes but also the phases of harmonics for the back EMF and cogging torque.