| Parameter/Criteria | Thermocouple | RTD |
| Typical Measurement Range | -267 ’C To +2316 ‘C | -240 ‘C To +649 ‘C |
| Interchangeability | Good | Excellent |
| Long-term Stability | Poor to Fair | Excellent |
| Accuracy | Medium | High |
| Repeatability | Poor to Fair | Excellent |
| Sensitivity (Output) | Low | Good |
| Response | Medium to Fast | Good |
| Linearity | Fair | Good |
| Self-Heating | No | Low |
| Tip (end) Sensitivity | Excellent | Fair |
| Lead Effect | High | Medium |
| Size/Packaging | Small to Large | Medium to Small |