A reference voltage generating circuit is described. The circuit includes a current generating section that generates a first current having a positive temperature coefficient, a voltage generating section that generates a voltage having a negative temperature coefficient, a synthesis section that generates a voltage which is the sum of a voltage having a positive temperature coefficient and developed across both terminals of a resistor, where the voltage has a negative temperature coefficient, and a compensation current generating section that generates a second current having a positive temperature coefficient. The current corresponding to the sum of said first and second currents is caused to flow through the resistor. The synthesis section generates a voltage which is a sum of a terminal voltage of the resistor by the sum current of the first and second currents and the voltage having a negative temperature coefficient.