A new thermocouple pairing was formed by combining thermocouple elements from two existing commercially available thermocouples to form a new combination (Ir–40 Rh/Pt–40 Rh) thermocouple. The output of this new pairing is nearly linear with temperature, and approximately equal to the output of one of the originating pairs (Ir–40 Rh/Ir), and more than double that of the other pair (Pt–40 Rh/Pt–20 Rh). This new pairing was evolved during a search for a noble‐metal thermocouple combination which could operate above the temperature limit of a Pt–13 Rh/Pt thermocouple and have a higher oxidation resistance than an Ir–40 Rh/Ir thermocouple.