Abstract: A system and method is provided for developing speed and rotation count profiles for controlling the spindle drive on a towel winder system for winding rolls of paper, such as tissue or towel. The system and method monitors accumulated paper sheet length metered onto the winding spindle to control desired sheet count and finished roll dimension data. The system and method utilizes the accumulated paper sheet length and the desired finished roll data to calculate an instantaneous diameter. The instantaneous diameter calculation includes determining an effective thickness of the roll based on two forms of calculating finished roll cross-sectional area. The system and method also includes monitoring the actual line surface speed. The instantaneous diameter and the actual line surface speed are used to generate a speed reference signal and an inertia compensation signal. An outer compensation loop can be employed to trim the speed reference signal so that the revolution count can be controlled.