A sample measurement apparatus according to one or more embodiments includes a processing unit that aspirates a sample inside a sample container and measures the sample; a transfer unit that includes a holder to hold the sample container, and that picks up the sample container from a rack capable of storing the sample containers at storage positions on a row and transfers the sample container to the processing unit; and a detection unit that is attached to the holder and is movable integrally with the holder, and that detects whether or not there is the sample container at each of the storage positions.