High gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) is the most commonly used magnetic cell separation technique in biomedical science. However, parameters determining target cell capture efficiencies in HGMS are still not well understood. This limitation leads to loss of information and resources. The present study develops a beadcapture theory to predict capture efficiencies in HGMS. The theory is tested with CD3- and CD14-positive cells in combination with paramagnetic beads of different sizes and a generic immunomagnetic separation system. Data depict a linear relationship between normalized capture efficiency and the bead concentration. In addition, it is shown that key biological functions of target cells are not affected for all bead sizes and concentrations used. In summary, linear bead-capture theory predicts capture efficiency (E_t) in a highly significant manner.