Analytical methods, made visual
Interactive HPLC Chromatogram: Peak Resolution and Detector Response
Use the tool in your browser. The page processes your entries locally and does not save them.
Chromatogram peak explorer
Move the peaks apart or broaden them to see how their overlap changes. The curves are simulated with two Gaussian peaks of equal width and different heights.
Solid line combined signal · Dashed lines individual peaks
Model resolution Rₛ is 1.14.
Resolution is Rₛ = 2(t₂ − t₁) / (w₁ + w₂), where t is the peak’s retention time and w is its baseline width. This Gaussian model approximates each baseline width as 4σ. The result describes the simulated peaks only.
Compare the two model traces
Both fictional chromatograms plot relative detector signal in arbitrary units (AU) against time in minutes. The dashed curves show the individual components, with a longer dash for peak 1. The solid line shows their summed signal.
| Trace | Peak centers tR (min) | Shared σ / baseline width (min) | Component areas (AU·min) | Model Rₛ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A · Wider separation | 3.00 / 4.60 | 0.35 / 1.40 | 0.8773 / 0.6141 | 1.14 |
| B · Overlapping peaks | 3.00 / 3.50 | 0.35 / 1.40 | 0.8773 / 0.6141 | 0.36 |
The model uses Gaussian peaks with heights of 1.00 and 0.70 AU. The baseline-width convention is 4σ. The areas integrate each full modeled component, using height × σ × √(2π). Trace B has the same component areas by construction. An analyst working from its combined signal would need a justified way to separate them before reporting individual areas.
Try different UV responses with separated peaks
Keep the amounts at 90 and 10 arbitrary amount units. With separated peaks and a linear detector, the modeled area is amount × relative response factor. Peak 1 has a fixed factor of 1.
At a factor of 0.5, modeled areas are 90 and 5. Peak 1 accounts for 94.74% of the total area.
| Amounts | Response factors | Modeled areas | Peak 1 area share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 / 10 | 1 / 1 | 90 / 10 | 90.00% |
| 90 / 10 | 1 / 0.5 | 90 / 5 | 90 ÷ (90 + 5) × 100 = 94.74% |