Object: To determine the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of an empty can test for diagnosing supraspinatus tendon tear. Methods: We reviewed 146 patients who have shoulder pain with limited active range of motion. We evaluated patients according to empty can test. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for supraspinatus test was estimated using arthroscopic evaluation. Results: A hundred and twenty-four of 127 cases with positive empty can test had supraspinatus tendon tear. Of 19 samples with negative empty can test, 15 had no supraspinatus tear. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the empty can test were 97.6%, 83.3%, 97.6%, and 78.9%, respectively. Conclusions: Empty can test was found to have a high sensitivity and good positive predictive value in identifying the tear of rotator cuff tendon. We concluded that empty can test of the shoulder is a reliable diagnostic method which could be used for the diagnosis of rotator cuff tear.