An improved composite Fourier transform profilometry is proposed in this study to quickly measure the three-dimensional (3D) contour of an object. Three groups of fringe patterns with different frequencies are combined in this method. Compared with the other composite profilometry, it solves the problem of phase error propagation in phase unwrapping. The absolute phase of the object is accurately calculated and the measuring accuracy is improved greatly by filtering out the background direct current noise. Both simulation and experiment results show that the 3D contour of the measured object can be reconstructed quickly and accurately by this method. It has great application potential in the field of real-time 3D measurement.