The deformation of a drop flowing along the centre streamline of a four-roll mill (4RM) has been investigated. The velocities and elongation rates along the centre streamline in the 4RM were measured using particle tracking velocimetry. The deformation and position of the deforming drops were photographed with a video camera. A dynamic, one-dimensional, analytical simulation model describing the drop deformation has been developed. The model is based on Taylor's [1964. International Congress on Applied Mechanics, vol. 11, 790-796] static conical drop shape model, but has been extended to include elliptic drops undergoing rapid deformation. The model was incorporated into a numerical scheme using Matlab and the drop deformation in the 4RM was simulated. The simulations were compared with the results of the experiments with the help of a dynamic Weber number incorporating the exact effect of the continuous phase stress on the deformation of the drop. With a dynamic Weber number of 0.42 the agreement between the experiments and the simulations along the whole deformation process was excellent for all three drop diameters studied. With this model the deformation of drops of all sizes in different elongation fields can be calculated, for example sub-micron-sized drops in a high-pressure homogeniser. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.