In a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (100) according to an embodiment, an array coil (8a to 8e) is structured by arranging a plurality of coil elements each of which receives a magnetic resonance signal generated from a subject. An acquisition controlling unit (17a, 27a) acquires the magnetic resonance signals while changing a position to be selected and excited within the subject who has the array coil (8a to 8e) attached thereon. A large-area image generating unit (13a, 23a) generates a large-area image of the subject, based on the magnetic resonance signals acquired by the acquisition controlling unit (17a, 27a). A position measuring unit (13d, 23a) measures positions of the coil elements, based on strengths of the magnetic resonance signals used for generating the large-area image and positions of the couchtop corresponding to the times when the magnetic resonance signals were acquired.
