A method and a calorimeter system for reducing error in a measured sample heat flow rate due to interpan heat exchange are described. The method includes sensing a heat flow rate to or from a sample container placed on a sample calorimeter unit in a single sample differential scanning calorimeter sensor and sensing a reference heat flow rate to or from a reference container placed on a reference calorimeter unit of the single sample differential scanning calorimeter sensor. The temperature of the sample container and the temperature of the reference container are also sensed. An interpan heat exchange between the sample container and the reference container is determined. A sample heat flow rate having reduced error is determined based on the sensed heat flow rate from the sample container and the determined interpan heat exchange rate.