A transmission control system for a transmission including a first gear engagement element that receives a fluid and engages a first gear. The system includes an electromagnetic actuator that receives a control signal and that selectively interrupts flow of the fluid to the first gear engagement element based on a value of the control signal. The system also includes a control module that generates the control signal and that adjusts the value of the control signal so that the first gear engagement element produces a first torque sufficient to hold the first gear. The control module detects a target volume of the fluid when the first gear engagement element produces the first torque. Also, the control module extrapolates a current fill volume (i.e., the volume at which the first gear engagement element begins to produce torque during a shift) of the first gear engagement element from the target volume.