According to some aspects, a portable magnetic resonance imaging system is provided, comprising a magnetics system having a plurality of magnetics components configured to produce magnetic fields for performing magnetic resonance imaging. The magnetics system comprises a permanent B0 magnet configured to produce a B0 field for the magnetic resonance imaging system, and a plurality of gradient coils configured to, when operated, generate magnetic fields to provide spatial encoding of emitted magnetic resonance signals, a power system comprising one or more power components configured to provide power to the magnetics system to operate the magnetic resonance imaging system to perform image acquisition, and a base that supports the magnetics system and houses the power system, the base comprising at least one conveyance mechanism allowing the portable magnetic resonance imaging system to be transported to different locations. According to some aspects, the base has a maximum horizontal dimension of less than or equal to approximately 50 inches. According to some aspects, the portable magnetic resonance imaging system weighs less than 1,500 pounds. According to some aspects, the portable magnetic resonance imaging system has a 5-Gauss line that has a maximum dimension of less than or equal to five feet.