A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell and a first reference memory cell. The memory cell includes a first switching element and a first capacitor for storing data. The first switching element is controlled by a first wordline, and has a first terminal connected to a first terminal of the first capacitor and a second terminal connected to a first bitline. The first capacitor has a second terminal for receiving a first plate voltage. The first reference memory cell includes a first reference switching element and a first capacitor. The first switching element is controlled by a first reference wordline, and has a first terminal connected to a first terminal of the first reference capacitor and a second terminal connected to a second bitline. The first reference capacitor has a second terminal receiving a first reference plate voltage different from the first plate voltage.