In phase Doppler anemometry (PDA), phase difference errors are caused by the Gaussian intensity distribution of the laser beam and the curvature of the phase fronts outside of the beam waist. This results in erroneous particle sizes. Based on a physical analysis by geometrical optics [1], this phase difference error is evaluated for reflected mode operation (Part I) and for refracted mode operation (Part II). By varying the particle trajectories statistically, the error in determining the particle size and the mass flow can be simulated. By the method described the error in the measured phase difference can easily be estimated.