Obtaining accurate peak areas and correctly identifying the peaks of interest require attention for the best results. Chromatographic speed, peak shapes and baseline profiles affect how well a data-handling system can measure and identify analytes. The relationships between injected analyte quantities and measured peak areas cannot be expected to be linear, especially for very small or very large peaks. This month in "GC Connections," John Hinshaw discusses strategies that help minimize these non-linearities in a gas chromatography system.