Table position sensing for magnetic resonance imaging

An MRI apparatus is provided. The MRI apparatus includes a main magnet ( 12 ) for generating a main magnetic field in an examination region, a plurality of gradient magnets ( 16 ) for generating magnetic field gradients in the main magnetic field, a radio frequency coil ( 22 ) for transmitting radio frequency signals into the examination region and exciting magnetic resonance in a subject disposed therein, and a radio frequency coil for receiving the magnetic resonance signals from the subject. The MRI apparatus also includes subject support ( 52 ) for supporting the subject, a position controller ( 60 ) for controlling the position of the subject support within the examination region, and a position encoder ( 53 ) for directly measuring the position of the subject support.