Abstract Microcells to carry out differential thermal analysis using a small amount of a sample have been described. The features of these cells are that they are small and light in weight, and are supported only by a thermocouple, not coming in contact with the wall of the metal block. The effects have been described of the variation in heating rate and in sample amount. The peak areas of the benzoic acid melting curve are proportional to the sample amount. The melting temperature can be measured with a precision of ±1°C if the heating rate is less than 2°C/min. The improvement of the quality of the microcell has also been considered.