An improved dispensing system and dispensing routine for multiple ingredient formulas is disclosed. The system includes a controller linked to an actuator, a scale and, a means for imparting movement to a plurality of pumps or conveyors and containers for dispensing the plurality of ingredients. After a formula is selected, the controller acts to at least partially load the pump with the first of said ingredients, reads the scale to account for the weight of the receptacle, calculates the motion of the pump required to dispense the target amount of said first ingredient, and either executes a percentage or portion of the motion of the pump required to dispense the target amount of said first ingredient, leaving a remaining amount or a safety factor in the form of a previously determined value. Both techniques avoid an over-dispense which would require the batch to be rejected. The remaining amount may be dispense iteratively using a calibration table or plot and a safety factor or, in an alternative method, the remaining amount may be divided by 2 to generate a "first half" value. The controller may then use a calibration table to calculate a motion of the pump needed to dispense the "first half." After the first half is dispensed, the actual amount dispensed is measured and compared to the first half value and the difference is doubled and added to the first half value to generate a "second half" value which is dispensed. The cumulative dispensed amount is compared to the target amount and, if within tolerance, the next ingredient is dispensed. The routine is a fast and efficient means for gravimetrically dispensing each ingredient of a multiple ingredient formula and is applicable to liquid and powder ingredients.