A detection device, a substrate holder and a method for detecting a position of a substrate on a substrate holder are disclosed. The detection device of the present disclosure is used to detect the position of the substrate carried on the substrate holder, and the substrate holder includes a plurality of carrying positions, each of which is used to carry a substrate. The detection device includes an emitting electrode connected to a signal source, which is disposed at an edge of each carrying position and located at one of upper and lower sides of the substrate carried by the carrying position; and at least one receiving electrode connected to a detector, which is disposed opposite to the emitting electrode and located at the other of the upper and lower sides of the substrate carried by the carrying position.