Abstract: The specific heat capacity of liquid samples exhibits variability during dfferential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In order to accurately determine the specific heat capacity of liquid samples and obtain accurate thermophysical parameters, it is necessary to deeply explore the influencing factors in the test process. The DSC was adopted, with deionized water as the sample, to investigate the effects of crucible types, sample loading methods, heating rates and sample volume on the specific heat capacity test results. The results showed that when the sample loading method of concavus aluminum crucible, inverted lid and sealed was adopted, the sample volume was 25 μL and the heating rate was 10 ℃/min. The specific heat capacity of deionized water measured had a higher accuracy and precision. Therefore, the condition was regarded as the optimal experimental condition for measuring the specific heat capacity of liquid samples with a state and properties similar to water.