SE contrast & signal calculator

First choose the tissues you are interested in. Alternatively T1 and T2 values can be entered as “free” on the Tissues page.
Then select your scanning TR and TE (for spin echo).
The graph shows the signal intensity (max = 1) for both tissues and the relative contrast to noise ratio (CNR). Additionally shown is the tissue with the highest signal intensity depending upon the parameters chosen: fat or CSF

The grey scale relative to the brightest tissue for the two tissues is also shown, as is the black level.

Note: this works best on a computer. It will also work on Android and IOS devices.

This is not a medical device. To be used for illustration only. Real tissue properties may differ from the values selected. Updated April 2025.

Prefer an app? Try it here.

Learn more about gradient echo contrast.