In chromatography, peak width increases in proportion to the square root of the distance that the peak has migrated. Mathematically, this is equivalent to saying that the square of the standard deviation is equal to a constant times the distance traveled. The height equivalent to a theoretical plate, as discussed above, is defined as the proportionality constant relating the standard deviation and the distance traveled. Thus, the defining equation of the height equivalent to a theoretical plate is as follows: HETP = σ ²/L, in which σ is the standard deviation and L the distance traveled. The use of the plate height is superior to the use of peak width in evaluating various chromatographic systems, because it is constant for the chromatographic run, and it is nearly constant from solute to solute.

In elution chromatography, in which the peak develops on a time scale, an equivalent form of the above equation is HETP = L σ_t²/t_r², in which L is now the column length, t_r the time of retention of the peak by the column, and σ_t the standard deviation of the peak measured in units of time; this form is another expression of the equation HETP = L/N given above (see above Column efficiency).

During a chromatographic separation, three basic processes contribute to plate height (HETP): (1) Molecular diffusion, in which solute molecules diffuse outward from the centre of the zone. This effect is inversely proportional to the average linear flow velocity, u, because rapid flow reduces the time for diffusion. Mathematically, the contribution to plate height of this factor is expressed as B/u, in which B is a constant. (2) Eddy diffusion, in which solute is carried at unequal rates through the tortuous pathways of the granular bed of the packing particles. The contribution to plate height is a constant factor, A, independent of velocity. (3) Nonequilibrium or mass transfer, in which the slowness of diffusion in and out of the stationary and mobile phases causes fluctuations in the times of residence of the solute in the two phases and a consequent peak broadening. The effect is proportional to velocity and is expressed as C_su and C_mu, in which C_s and C_m are constants relating to the stationary and mobile phases, respectively.

A function of chromatographic theory has been twofold: (1) to evaluate B, A, C_m, and C_s, in terms of underlying diffusivity and flow processes, and (2) to assemble them into a total plate height equation.

The general equation used is HETP = A + B/u + C_su. This is inadequate at high velocities, however, and is replaced by the equation Knowledge of the component terms in such equations allows one to optimize chromatographic operating conditions.