Quick answer: most MRI scans take 30 to 60 minutes inside the scanner, and almost all fall somewhere between 15 and 90 minutes. Small joints like the shoulder or ankle are usually at the shorter end; the abdomen, chest and heart take the longest. Contrast adds roughly 15 to 30 minutes, and you should plan extra time for check-in, the safety questionnaire and changing.
One of the first questions patients ask me on the table is «how much longer?» The honest answer depends on what we are scanning and why. Here are typical times by body part, and what can make your scan shorter or longer.
MRI scan times by body part
These are typical times inside the scanner. Your imaging center may be faster or slower depending on its equipment and the protocol your doctor requested.
| Body part | Typical scan time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brain / head | 30 to 60 minutes | 30 to 45 minutes without contrast; a limited «quick» brain MRI can take under 15 minutes |
| Cervical spine (neck) | 30 to 45 minutes | Can be as short as 20 minutes |
| Lumbar spine (lower back) | 30 to 60 minutes | 45 to 80 minutes with contrast |
| Shoulder | 15 to 45 minutes | |
| Hip | 30 to 60 minutes | Around 45 minutes on average |
| Knee | 30 to 60 minutes | |
| Ankle | Around 40 minutes | |
| Breast | 30 to 60 minutes | Up to 90 minutes with contrast |
| Pelvis | 30 to 60 minutes | Longer if many images are needed |
| Abdomen | 30 to 90 minutes | Occasionally up to about 2 hours |
| Chest | Up to 90 minutes | |
| Heart (cardiac MRI) | More than 45 minutes |
For details on specific exams, see our guides to [link: Brain MRI], [link: Lumbar Spine MRI] and [link: Knee MRI].
From the scanner room: [TU EXPERIENCIA: compara estos tiempos con los de tu servicio. ¿Alguna prueba dura claramente más o menos donde trabajas? ¿Cuál es la que más sorprende a los pacientes por su duración?]
What makes an MRI take longer?
- The size and complexity of the area. The larger the area and the more image types the radiologist needs, the longer the scan. A full spine or a whole abdomen takes more time than a single joint.
- Contrast. If your exam uses gadolinium contrast, the technologist injects it partway through and repeats some sequences, which typically adds 15 to 30 minutes. See [link: MRI With vs Without Contrast].
- Movement. Every time you move during a sequence, the images can blur and that sequence may have to be repeated. Staying still is the single best thing you can do to finish sooner.
- Breath-holds. Chest and abdominal scans often need several breath-holds, which adds pauses between sequences.
- Sedation. If you need a sedative, plan for extra time before and after the scan.
- Extra views. The radiologist may ask for additional images if something needs a closer look. This is routine and does not necessarily mean something is wrong.
How long is the whole appointment?
The time in the scanner is only part of your visit. Plan for:
- Check-in and the safety questionnaire: your center will tell you how early to arrive.
- Changing and storing your belongings.
- Placing an IV, if your exam uses contrast.
- A short wait at the end while the images are checked. Some facilities also ask you to stay for a while after contrast to watch for any reaction.
- Recovery time if you were sedated, and someone to drive you home.
A practical rule: block out about twice the scan time listed above. To get ready, use our [link: How to Prepare for an MRI] checklist.
Tips to keep your MRI as short as possible
[TU EXPERIENCIA: 3-5 consejos propios para que la prueba no se alargue. Ideas: ir al baño antes, avisar de la claustrofobia antes de entrar y no a mitad de la prueba, ponerse cómodo desde el principio, usar los descansos entre secuencias para relajarse.]
If enclosed spaces worry you, read [link: Claustrophobic in an MRI? 12 Tips That Actually Help] before your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a brain MRI take?
Usually 30 to 60 minutes, or 30 to 45 minutes without contrast. A limited brain MRI with just a few quick sequences can take under 15 minutes.
How long does an MRI with contrast take?
Contrast usually adds about 15 to 30 minutes, because the technologist repeats some sequences after the injection. A lumbar spine MRI, for example, goes from 30 to 60 minutes to roughly 45 to 80 minutes.
What is the longest type of MRI?
Abdominal, chest and cardiac MRIs are usually the longest, with abdominal scans occasionally lasting up to about 2 hours.
How long does a full-body MRI take?
It depends on the provider and how many areas are included. See [link: Full-Body MRI Scans: Are They Worth the Money?].
Can I take a break during an MRI?
The scanner stops between sequences, and you can talk to the technologist then. If you need to come out, use the call button: the technologist can stop the scan, but stopping may mean repeating some images.
How long until I get my MRI results?
A radiologist reviews the images and sends a report to your doctor. Many centers release the report to your patient portal within days. See [link: What to Expect During an MRI].
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor or imaging team. Scan times vary between facilities.