A coprecipitation method was used for preparing Ca and Pt doped $SnO_2$ fine powder. Components of the powder were investigated by XPS and SIMS. Crystallite size and specific surface area were investigated by TEM, XRD, and BET analysis. $SnO_2$(Ca)/Pt based thick film devices were prepared by a screen printing technique for methane gas detection. Then sensing characteristics of the devices were investigated. As Ca and Pt added, the crystal growth of $SnO_2$ was suppressed during calcining and sintering, and the sensitivity of $SnO_2$(Ca)/Pt thick film to methane gas was enhanced. For the Pt doped $SnO_2$ fine particle, the thick film device shows sensitivity of about 83% to 2000 ppm methane gas at an operating temperature of >$400^{circ}C$