A radiation image read-out method comprises the steps of exposing a stimulable phosphor sheet, on which a radiation image having a background region has been stored, to stimulating rays which cause the stimulable phosphor sheet to emit light in proportion to the amount of energy stored thereon during its exposure to radiation, and detecting the emitted light in order to obtain an image signal representing the radiation image. The shape and location of the background region are determined in advance, and only the area outside of the background region on the stimulable phosphor sheet is exposed to stimulating rays. Light emitted from the area outside of the background region is detected and converted into an image signal. Alternatively, after the shape and location of the background region are determined, the background region is erased. Thereafter, the stimulable phosphor sheet is exposed to stimulating rays, and light emitted by the stimulable phosphor sheet is detected and converted into an image signal.