An example embodiment relates to a method for automatically stipulating a spectral distribution of the X-ray radiation of a number of X-ray sources of a computed tomography system. This involves firstly stipulating start control parameters of an X-ray source, which determine the dose and spectral distribution of X-ray radiation. On the basis of an expected attenuation of the X-ray radiation by an examination object, an examination-object-specific basic control parameter is then ascertained proceeding from the start control parameters. Afterwards, on the basis of the expected attenuation of the X-ray radiation by the examination object and the basic control parameter, first target control parameters and second target control parameters are ascertained for setting the spectral distribution of the X-ray radiation in a subsequent multi-energy measurement on the examination object. Moreover, a method, a control device suitable, and a computed tomography system comprising such a control device are described.