A factor describing the shape of a chromatographic peak. Theory assumes a Gaussian shape peak that is symmetrical. The peak asymmetry factor is the ratio (at 10 percent of the peak height) of the distance between the peak apex and the back side of the chromatographic curve to the distance between the peak apex and the front side of the chromatographic curve. A value >1 is a tailing peak, while a value <1 is a fronting peak.