curve.fit

Gaussian

A bell-shaped peak on a constant baseline. Use it for spectral lines, detector peaks and measured distributions.

Fit the example dataStart with your own data

Example: curve.fit’s Gaussian test data, 41 points with x and y uncertainties, opened as a new copy you can edit.

A₀x₀C
Illustration only.

Parameters

Peak height above the baseline.
Peak center.
Width (standard deviation). Full width at half maximum is about 2.355σ. Reported as positive unless a requested limit requires the negative equivalent.
Constant baseline.

Tips

  • Include points on both sides of the peak and on the baseline, so the width and baseline are determined separately.
  • A sloped baseline needs Gaussian on Linear Background. Long tails may fit the Lorentzian resonance curve better; compare the residuals.
  • Supply δy when counts or readings have known uncertainties; curve.fit then reports reduced χ².

Related models

Guide: Fitting a Gaussian peak