We investigated the influence of periodicity, misalignment, and disorder on the magnetic resonance gap of split-ring resonators (SRRs) which are essential components of left handed-metamaterials (LHMs). The resonance of a single SRR which is induced by the split is experimentally demonstrated by comparing transmission spectra of SRR and closed ring resonator. Misaligning the SRR boards do not affect the magnetic resonance gap, while destroying the periodicity results in a narrower band gap. The disorder in SRR layers cause narrower left-handed pass band and decrease the transmission level of composite metamaterials (CMMs), which may significantly affect the performance of these LHMs. © 2004 Optical Society of America.