In the past few years, a number of strategies have been outlined to resolve the SAS phase ambiguity given that unique estimates 3(h, k) of the triple invariants are available. A new least-squares method is described that can in principle resolve the phase ambiguity to determine macromolecular phases provided that 3(h, k) estimates are unbiased. Limitations of the method in practical applications are discussed. An example is given where the correct solution can be identi®ed by use of the SAS tangent formula in the instance that traditional SAS phasing methods have lead to an incorrect heavy-atom substructure.