Methods and apparatuses for the identification and/or characterization of properties of a sample using mass spectrometry. Methods may include analyzing spacings between mass-to-charge ratio peaks from measured mass spectrum data, identifying and associating the spacings with mass delta values corresponding to masses of possible constituents of a molecule within the sample, calculating estimated charges of molecular species within the sample based on the spacings and mass delta values, and deconvoluting the measured mass spectrum data based on the estimated charges to provide a neutral mass spectrum. The methods and apparatuses (including software) described herein may result in more accurate characterization of peaks within the neutral mass spectrum, less false peaks within the neutral mass spectrum, and less noise in the neutral mass spectrum.