---
title: "Signal-to-noise ratio: research glossary | Sable Peptides"
description: "Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) compares the magnitude of an analytical signal with the background noise. Higher ratios mean more reliable detection. In chroma"
canonical: https://www.sablepeptides.co.uk/glossary/signal-to-noise-ratio
publisher: Sable Peptides Limited (UK company 17488610)
note: Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
---

Glossary

# Signal-to-noise ratio

Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) compares the magnitude of an analytical signal with the background noise. Higher ratios mean more reliable detection. In chromatography and mass spectrometry, S/N is used to define limits of detection and quantitation and to judge whether a small peak is a genuine component.

Source: [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signal-to-noise_ratio)

## Related terms

-   [Mass spectrometry](/glossary/mass-spectrometry)

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