Abstract: A measuring funnel for determining the tension of slivers includes a stationary component having a funnel-shaped inlet opening and a movable component. The bore for the passage of the sliver continues in the movable component, and may have a section along which it continues to taper. The passage of sliver thereby exerts a force on the movable component in the direction of its travel. This force is compensated by pneumatic or electrical means, so that the movable component takes a balanced position for every sliver cross section. These balanced positions are then converted into corresponding signals by means of electrical or pneumatic sensors, which signals are either used for measuring the absolute sliver cross section or for regulating the sliver cross section to a set value.