Objective： To introduce a new template peak matching algorithm for calculating the similarity of chromatographic fingerprint of traditional Chinese herbs. Methods： Tanshinone ⅡA in S. miltiorrhiza Bge of different batches were determined by HPLC and the chromatograms of them were obtained. We designated a new peak matching algorithm based on the previous algorithms, which employed a certain real chromatographic fingerprint as their template. In the new algorithm, we arranged the retention times of chromatographic peaks of all chromatograms into an ascending order, forming a template. The sorting procedure complied with the following 2 rules. First, the same peak matches the nearest corresponding peak. Second, one peak does not appear twice in the same chromatogram. Results： The new algorithm avoided the shortcomings of previous algorithm, such as mismatching and missed matching, and obtained a satisfactory outcome. Conclusion： Our new algorithm provides a basis for improving the reliability of retention time-based peak matching algorithm