[en] One pf the potential problems and limitations of scanning at high field strength is the deposition or radiofrequency (RF) power into the body. This paper proposes an inexpensive means of assessing radiofrequency power deposition in a magnet. This is particularly important at 3T where sequences approach Food and Drug Administration approved RF limits. It will also be of interest to operators at 1.5 T as part of their ongoing quality assurance programs. At 3T, we found that the RF power deposited in the magnet was less than that read by the MR power monitor. All measurements were performed with a 2.51 perspex spherical phantom. Copyright (2002) Blackwell Science Pty Ltd