---
title: "Theoretical plates: research glossary | Sable Peptides"
description: "Theoretical plates are a measure of chromatographic column efficiency. A higher plate number means narrower peaks and better separating power. Plate number"
canonical: https://www.sablepeptides.co.uk/glossary/theoretical-plates
publisher: Sable Peptides Limited (UK company 17488610)
note: Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
---

Glossary

# Theoretical plates

Theoretical plates are a measure of chromatographic column efficiency. A higher plate number means narrower peaks and better separating power. Plate number is calculated from retention time and peak width and is influenced by particle size, column length, flow rate and packing quality.

Source: [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theoretical_plate)

## Related terms

-   [Retention time](/glossary/retention-time)

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