A memory circuit (11) includes: a memory cell (MCij) including a variable-resistance element in which a resistance value varies substantially between two levels; a resistance-voltage conversion circuit that converts the resistance value of a memory cell (MCij) to be read into a data voltage; a reference circuit (RCi) including a series circuit of a variable-resistance element and a linear resistor, the variable-resistance element including substantially the same configuration as the configuration of the variable-resistance element included in the memory cell MCij and being set to a lower resistance of two levels; a reference voltage conversion circuit that converts the resistance value of the reference circuit (RCi) into a reference voltage; and a sense amplifier (SA) that determines data stored in the memory cell (MCij) by comparing the data voltage with the reference voltage.