Ten simplified expressions for the retention factor, k', that arise from either the adsorption or partition mechanism for retention in reversed-phase chromatographic columns are examined in what concerns the model they express and their performance to fit experimental data. In order to test the simplified expressions, which describe the variation of the retention of a solute with the organic modifier content in the mobile phase, a wide range of solutes in mobile phases modified with three different organic modifiers was used. It is shown that a new three-parameter expression of ln k' works more satisfactorily, since it combines simplicity, high applicability and good numerical behavior. It is also shown that the applicability of a simplified equation does not entail the validity of its model and thus no molecular information can be gained from its use.