mass-to-charge ratio, \(m_{\text{z}}\)

in mass spectrometry

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.M03752

The abbreviation m/z is used to denote the dimensionless quantity formed by dividing the mass number of an ion by its charge number. It has long been called the mass-to-charge ratio although m is not the ionic mass nor is z a multiple or the elementary (electronic) charge, e. The abbreviation m e is, therefore, not recommended. Thus, for example, for the ion (C₇H₇²⁺) , m/z equals 45.5.

Source:
PAC, 1991, 63, 1541. 'Recommendations for nomenclature and symbolism for mass spectroscopy (including an appendix of terms used in vacuum technology). (Recommendations 1991)' on page 1544 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199163101541)