Abstract-In this paper, the analysis and design of a compact Multiple Split Ring Resonator (MSRR) inspired microstrip rectangular patch antenna is presented. The MSRR is used with four rings. The size of the antenna is 25 × 31 × 1.6 mm 3 realized on a low cost FR4 substrate. The proposed rectangular microstrip patch antenna operates at the resonant frequency of 5.88 GHz prior to MSRR inclusion. The antenna characteristics are studied before and after inclusion of metamaterial. After including MSRRs at appropriate places, the proposed MSRR antenna induces a new resonant frequency of 2.78 GHz. In addition to rectangular patch's fundamental resonance, the additional resonance is obtained at 2.78 GHz, thus, exhibits dual bands. Hence, MSRR loading antenna attains a bandwidth of 197 MHz at 2.78 GHz and 703 MHz at 5.88 GHz. The prototype of the proposed antenna is fabricated and measured. Simulated results are verified with the measured ones. This proposed antenna can be effectively utilized for WLAN and RF-ID applications. Parametric studies are illustrated to yield the desired frequency bands. Equivalent circuit model analysis of the MSRR loading is determined. Band characteristics of split ring structure are used to determine the negative permeability characteristics.