Measuring device and method for determining the position of an electrically conductive test object (1) with a noncontacting sensor, in particular an eddy current sensor (2), wherein the test object (1) is adapted for linear reciprocal movement in a predetermined direction. The test object (1) includes a marking (6), and the sensor is arranged transversely to the direction of movement of the test object (1) and at a constant distance from the test object in the region of the marking (6), so that a movement of the test object causes the sensor to produce an at least largely linear signal change over a predetermined measuring range.