A method for determining an amount of a Raman-invisible gas in a multi-component gas stream includes performing a first and second absolute Raman analysis on the gas stream. A decrease in the absolute Raman bands from the first analysis to the second analysis is attributed to an increase of the Raman-invisible gas in the gas stream. The amount of the Raman-invisible gas is calculated from the difference between the first and second sets of Raman bands. The calculation of the Raman-invisible gas is verified via a measurement and a calculation of a secondary property of the gas stream such as the thermal conductivity of the gas stream or the density of the gas stream.