A method of inspecting defect of a mask is provided. In this method, a
database for storing a plurality of virtual simulation models is created.
The virtual simulation models are determined by a plurality of factors
including an optical effect and a chemical effect during the transferring
the pattern of a mask to the photoresist layer on a wafer. A mask defect
image is acquired. A simulation contour of the mask defect image is
generated from at least one virtual simulation model in the database.
Next, the acceptability of the mask is determined.