TGA instruments can utilize either direct or indirect temperature measurement. Direct temperature measurement designs have the temperature sensor in physical contact with either the sample or the sample holder. The sensor is in physical contact with the sample or the sample holder when there exists a low thermal resistance path between the sensor and the sample or the sample holder. Indirect temperature measurement designs have the temperature measuring sensor separated from the sample and the sample holder by the atmosphere which surrounds the sample. Each type of temperature measurement has advantages. The main advantage of indirect temperature measurement lies in the reduced complexity of the balance beam and temperature measuring apparatus. The main advantage of direct temperature measurement lies in the increased accuracy of the temperature measurement because thermal gradients between the sample and the sensor are significantly reduced.