A new tension control system for the hot finishing mill, a “looperless” system, was developed. This system detects inter-stand tensions by applying measured data for the rolling process to a newly developed tension equation. The rotation speed of the roll-drive motors is controlled to achieve a desired tension. Experiment on a hot finishing line showed the tension could be controlled within 0.1 kg/mm2 . Operation was very stable in the rolling of more than 100 strips.