Complex chromatograms that result from reversed-pahse gradient elution often exhibit changes in band order when the gradient steepness is changed. This complicates the interpretation of the resulting separation, and prevents the application of computer simulation for method development. A simple procedure based on normalized band areas was used to match bands between runs where the gradient steepness has been changed. In one example involving a Thermus aquaticus ribosomal protein sample, it was possible to find an additional band that was not apparent in tw initial experimental runs with different gradient slopes.