Most MRI scans take about 15–45 minutes. A single joint (like a knee) is often 20–30 minutes; a brain or spine MRI is usually 30–45 minutes; and longer or multi-region scans, or scans with a contrast injection, can take an hour or more. The time depends on the body part, how many image sequences are needed, and whether contrast is used. Lying still is what keeps it on schedule.
Key takeaways
- Most MRI scans take about 15–45 minutes.
- A single joint is often 20–30 minutes; brain/spine 30–45.
- Contrast, multiple regions or complex scans take longer.
- Staying still avoids repeats and keeps the scan on time.
One of the most common questions before an MRI is simply: how long will I be in there? Here’s a realistic guide.
Typical times
Most MRI scans take about 15–45 minutes, but it varies by what’s being scanned:[1]
| Scan | Rough time |
|---|---|
| A single joint (knee, wrist, ankle) | ~20–30 min |
| Brain | ~30–45 min |
| Spine (one region) | ~30–45 min |
| Abdomen / pelvis | ~30–60 min |
| With a contrast injection | Add ~10–15 min |
| Multiple regions in one visit | Can be an hour or more |
These are approximate — your centre can tell you the expected time for your specific scan.
Why it varies
An MRI is built from several image “sequences,” each taking a few minutes, and more complex questions need more sequences.[1] A contrast injection adds time (before-and-after images), and scanning more than one area naturally takes longer. Newer scanners and techniques are gradually making scans faster.
Making the time easier
Because you need to stay still the whole time (movement blurs the images and can mean repeating a sequence), a few things help:[2]
- Go to the toilet beforehand.
- Wear comfortable clothing without metal.
- Ask about music or headphones, and use the eye mask if you find the tunnel confining.
- If you’re claustrophobic, raise it when booking — options include a wide-bore or more open scanner or, occasionally, sedation.
See our guide on how an MRI works for what’s happening during those minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Why does an MRI take so much longer than a CT?
A CT captures its data in seconds, while an MRI builds images from many sequences that each take minutes — which is also why CT is preferred in emergencies.[1]
Can I move during an MRI?
You need to stay as still as possible, because movement blurs the images and can mean repeating part of the scan. You can usually breathe normally, and staff talk to you between sequences.[2]
Will contrast make my MRI take longer?
A little — a contrast injection adds roughly 10–15 minutes, because images are taken before and after it’s given.[1]
Sources
- RANZCR / InsideRadiology — Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — www.insideradiology.com.au/mri-hp/
- healthdirect (Australia) — MRI scan — www.healthdirect.gov.au/mri-scan
