Retention Time Calculator
Calculate chromatography retention time, retention factor (k'), resolution (Rs), and theoretical plate count (N) for HPLC and GC method development. Four modes with step-by-step results and qualitative separation quality ratings.
Complete User Guide
Choose a mode: Retention Time (from dead time and k'), Retention Factor (from measured tR and t₀), Resolution (from two peak retention times and base widths), or Plate Count (from retention time and peak width). Enter values and click Calculate.
The Mathematical Formula
tR = t₀ × (1 + k') | k' = (tR − t₀) / t₀ | Rs = 2(tR₂−tR₁)/(w₁+w₂) | N = 16(tR/wb)²
Retention Time: tR = t₀(1+k'). Retention Factor: k' = (tR−t₀)/t₀. Resolution: Rs = 2(tR₂−tR₁)/(w₁+w₂). Plate Count: N = 16(tR/wb)² or N = 5.545(tR/w½)².
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