The nonlinearity of the parameter relations for the Shinnar-Le Roux RF pulse design algorithm has induced to performa classification based on the features of the slice profile dueto the RF pulse. In the present paper a generalization ofthe relation between the ripple amplitudes of the SLR B polynomial and those of the slice profile is given. It allows generation of RF pulses with better slice profiles and slightly reduced energy, avoiding any a priori classification. The effect of our estimation has been shown by generating several pulses by generalized estimation of B polynomial ripples. In addition, their behavior has been compared to that of analogous pulses generated by means of the classification just mentioned. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.