The initial width of the injected solute bands is a major determinant of the final measured peak width. While the individual processes contributing to this intial width have been observed and described qualitatively by many authors, little attention has been focused on their quantitative relationship. Using solid phase microextraction (SPME) and splitless injections of a hydrocarbon test mixutre the contributions to overall peak variance in SPME and splitless injections can be separated and quantitated. In SPME, it is seen that thermal focusing or rapid desorption must serve to provide focused bands. In splitless, thermal fucusing and solvent effects provide focusing. Variance contributions for each of these are calculated and shown.