The present invention relates to a washing machine and a method for controlling the same. According to the present invention, laundry introduced into the washing machine can be quantitatively measured by using the gravity and inertia acting during motor operation to accurately calculate the amount of the laundry. The minimization of the influence attributable to the initial position and movement of the laundry, and the utilization of a current value of the motor which is acting make it possible to measure an amount of the laundry irrespective of sensorless characteristics. Further, the washing machine can measure an amount of the laundry with improved accuracy and in a short time and thus easily proceed to a dewatering operation, with the resultant reduction of washing time and energy consumption.
