An optimization method is developed for the design of intermediate die shapes needed in the plane strain and axisymmetric forging operations. The approach is based on backward deformation simulation using nonlinear rigid viscoplastic finite element method and shape optimization techniques. The advantage of this optimization approach is that it has the ability to determine the intermediate die shapes from the final product shape by applying constraints on the plastic deformation of the material. This paper presents axisymmetric disk and plane strain case studies to demonstrate the new design procedures for minimizing variations in deformation rates during a multistage forging operation.