Chromatographic Resolution Calculator
For TLC, HPLC, and pharma analysis
Rs tells us how well two analytes are separated in chromatography.
Rs > 1.5 means "baseline" (full) separation.
Rf helps identify and optimize mobile phase in TLC/HPTLC.
Typical Rf (TLC): 0.3–0.8 is ideal.
Chromatographic Resolution Calculator (Rf & Rs)
Welcome to the Chromatographic Resolution Calculator, an essential educational tool for B. Pharm students and analytical chemistry learners. This tool helps you calculate two key parameters used in Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC):
Rf (Retention Factor) – Indicates how far a compound travels on a chromatogram.
Rs (Resolution) – Measures the separation between two peaks in a chromatogram.
How It Works
🔹 Step 1: Choose What to Calculate
You can calculate:
Rf value from a single compound’s travel distance.
Rs value from two compound retention times and peak widths.
🔹 Step 2: Enter Required Inputs
For Rf:
Distance moved by compound
Distance moved by solvent front
Select units: mm or cm
For Rs:
Retention Time of Peak 1 (tR₁)
Retention Time of Peak 2 (tR₂)
Peak Widths at Base: W₁ and W₂
Select time units: sec or min
🔹 Step 3: Click “Calculate”
The calculator will:
Display calculated value (Rf or Rs)
Show a dynamic TLC sketch or Resolution Bar
Explain the formula used with substituted values
Features & Output
Rf Calculator Outputs
Final Rf value (0 to 1)
Visual TLC sketch (solvent front, compound dot, baseline)
Ideal Range Message (e.g., “Rf between 0.3 – 0.7 is ideal”)
📈 Rs Calculator Outputs
Final Resolution (Rs) value
Color-coded Resolution Bar with ranges:
Red: Poor (< 1)
Yellow: Borderline (1.0 – 1.5)
Green: Good (> 1.5)
🖼 Visual Enhancements
Responsive Charts powered by Chart.js
Real-time updates after calculation
Export Options:
PNG (graph only)
PDF (full result card + visual)
Educational Value
This tool not only calculates but teaches:
Step-by-step formula application
Tooltip definitions for each field:
What is Rf?
Why is Rs important in separation science?
Ideal Rf and Rs interpretation ranges
Clear understanding of TLC and HPLC outputs
Why This Calculator Is Essential
Understanding chromatographic resolution is key in:
Drug purity analysis
Pharmacopoeial standards
HPLC method validation
TLC fingerprinting and compound identification
This tool reinforces core analytical concepts and enhances laboratory calculation accuracy.
Why This Calculator Is Essential
Understanding chromatographic resolution is key in:
Drug purity analysis
Pharmacopoeial standards
HPLC method validation
TLC fingerprinting and compound identification
This tool reinforces core analytical concepts and enhances laboratory calculation accuracy.