An MRI scan typically takes between 15 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on the part of the body being scanned and the number of images required

• A single individual scan may last from a few seconds up to 3 or 4 minutes, but the entire procedure usually ranges from 15 to 90 minutes

• Average MRI exams generally take about 30 to 60 minutes

• Specific scans vary in length: for example, a brain MRI usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, a knee MRI about 30 to 60 minutes, and a shoulder MRI 15 to 45 minutes

• Abdominal MRIs can take 30 to 90 minutes or up to 2 hours in some cases

• Cardiac MRIs may take longer, around 90 minutes to 2 hours, due to the heart's physiological motion

• The use of contrast dye can add 15 to 30 minutes to the scan duration

• Sedation, if required, can also extend the total time needed

In summary, the exact length depends on the body part scanned, the complexity of the images needed, and whether contrast or sedation is involved. Most patients can expect to spend about half an hour to an hour inside the MRI scanner