a method of estimating snr for a plurality of carriers modulated with digital information , wherein the digital information includes data baud and training baud , comprising the steps of : receiving the plurality of carriers ; determining a first snr for the data baud ; determining a second snr for the training baud ; comparing at least one of the first and second snrs to predetermined selection criteria ; and selecting one of the first and said second snrs based on the comparison step . in the preferred embodiment , the carriers are processed to produce an equalizer output for each of the carriers , and the equalizer output is processed to produce a symbol decision for each of the carriers . the equalizer output is subtracted from the symbol decision when a data baud is received to produce a first difference value , and the first difference value is squared to produce a first signal to noise estimate . the equalizer output is also subtracted from predetermined training data when a training baud is received to produce a second difference value , and the second difference value is squared to produce a second signal to noise estimate . apparatus that performs the above method is also included .