It is reported that the first partial derivative of the phase distribution for a transparent object can be measured automatically by a personal computer with an image processor. The moire pattern is formed by superimposing the Fourier image distorted by the transparent object on the master grating. But if only the moire patterns are observed, it is not shown if the fringe order numbers increase or decrease. The fringe scanning method is presented to overcome the fringe order numbers. The four-step method is used to calculate the first partial derivative. By a simple experiment, the first partial derivative can be shown in the three dimensional graphics.