Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition characterized by progressive degeneration of joint tissues. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most common imaging methods in OA research. MRI relies on the intrinsic magnetic properties of biological tissues and does not require ionizing radiation. MRI allows for ex vivo and in vivo nondestructive evaluation of musculoskeletal structures, including cartilage, menisci, bone, ligaments, and tendons. Quantitative MRI (qMRI) techniques extend MRI beyond morphological assessment and provides information on the physical structure, composition, and functional state of joint structures. Several qMRI techniques are currently available in OA research. Relaxometry parameters, such as T2, T2*, and T1ρ relaxation time mapping, reflect the interaction of water with macromolecules and allow detection of changes in tissue biochemical composition and microstructural organization. Sodium (23Na) MRI, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chemical exchange saturation transfer (GAGCEST), and delayed contrast-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) are specific to GAG content and can be used to assess the degradation of cartilaginous tissue. T2, T2* and T1ρ mapping, dGEMRIC, GAGCEST, and23Na MRI have been employed to assess tissue degeneration in ex vivo studies and animal models of OA, as well as in clinical studies with OA patients and individuals at risk for OA. Furthermore, qMRI has been used to evaluate tissue response to regenerative treatments and the quality of engineered tissue. This chapter gives an overview of the most established qMRI techniques for OA research, their physical principles, relationship with physiological properties, limitations, and potential applications, with particular focus on cartilage preclinical research.