Organic and inorganic acids can be retained and separated on mixed-mode columns based on weak reversed-phase and weak/medium anion-exchange mechanisms. Amount of ACN, buffer concentration and buffer pH will affect retention time of organic and inorganic acids. Acids can be monitored by low UV, ELSD or LC/MS. Presence of ions is required to facilitate ion-exchange mechanism. Method can be used as a general approach for analysis of acidic hydrophilic and acidic hydrophobic compounds. Carboxylic acids along with inorganic acid can be retained and separated without ion-pairing reagent.