Split‐ring resonator (SRR) finds its utility in various applications where moderate quality factor is required. Application areas for this type of microwave resonator include communication, biomedical, chemical, material testing, and food grading. Design is usually based for a particular band of frequency, dictated by its intended utility/application. A metallic cylindrical shield or cavity is used to enclose resonator for controlling environmental effects. Quality factor determines resonator's figure of merit. Resonant frequency, quality factor, and other output parameters are dependent mainly on critical dimensions and materials used to fabricate resonator and shield. Numerous models have been formulated to predict output parameters. In this study, variations in quality factor and resonant frequency have been analyzed for nonplanar form of SRR structure model based on parametric changes. Simulated and calculated results were analyzed for model validity. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine sensitivity of output parameters over SRR dimensions. Output parameters of SRR structure fabricated to operate at 3 GHz, was measured for experimental verification of simulated and calculated results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2358–2363, 2015