For the accurate analysis of salient-pole synchronous machines using the two-axis frame models, the direct- (d-) and quadrature-axis (q-axis) saturation characteristics are needed. Usually, the d-axis saturation characteristics can be obtained easily by the conventional open-circuit test with the machines excited from their field winding. On the other hand, the q-axis saturation characteristics of synchronous machines cannot be measured applying simple, conventional methods, and thus, they are usually not available. In this paper, four different methods for calculating the q-axis saturation characteristics of salient-pole synchronous machines from the measured d-axis saturation characteristics are explored. In these methods, the q-axis saturation characteristics can be calculated from the readily available test data, namely the d-axis saturation characteristics and the d- and q-axis unsaturated magnetizing reactances. Finally, a comparison between these methods is made.