In this paper a systematic procedure for the choice sampling period in sampled-data control is suggested. The procedure is based on an optimization scheme, where both low frequency performance, mid frequency stability margins and high frequency control activity are taken into account. The proposed evaluation method is applied to a pole placement controller for an integral plant with time-delay and a third order stable plant model. The results show that, especially when an antialiasing filter is included, a significantly shorter sampling period can be motivated compared to existing rules of thumb. As a second result an optimal pole location for the integral plant with time delay is achieved.