A method for operating a multi-step automatic transmission arranged in a drive train of a vehicle with a combustion engine. When downshifting from the third gear ratio to a second gear ratio, higher inertia must be shifted than when shifting from the third gear ratio to the first gear ratio. Upon a demand for a coasting downshift from the third gear ratio to the second gear ratio or to the first gear ratio with no performance demand on the combustion engine, the coasting downshift to the second gear ratio is not executed and the first gear ratio is engaged when the requirements for downshifting to the first gear ratio are met.