A system is described for holding the tension of a web substantially constant as the web is transported from a supply spool to a take-up spool. The rotation of each spool is controlled by a motor. A tension control circuit senses the currents in both motors and alters motor current so as to hold the sum of the motor currents at a substantially constant value. In this manner, the sum of the torques generated by the motors and their spools is held at a substantially constant value to thereby maintain web tension substantially constant as the radii of the spools change during web movement.