MRI magnets typically have strengths ranging from about 0.2 Tesla to 3 Tesla for routine clinical use, with 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla magnets being most common in hospitals. These magnets are extremely powerful, with a 3 Tesla magnet being roughly 60,000 times stronger than the Earth's magnetic field. Research facilities can have even stronger magnets, reaching up to around 11.7 Tesla or beyond, with some experimental magnets going as high as 14 Tesla or more. The strength of the magnet directly affects the quality of the MRI images; stronger magnets provide higher signal strength and better resolution. However, stronger magnets also come with higher costs and some limitations, such as compatibility with implants or safety considerations during pregnancy. For most clinical purposes, 1.5 Tesla magnets are sufficient, while 3 Tesla magnets are used when higher resolution or faster imaging is needed. In summary, an MRI magnet's strength is measured in teslas (T), and clinical magnets range usually between 1.5T and 3.0T, with research magnets going significantly higher.
