The aim of this study was to find out the most appropriate method of measuring condylar height on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Traditional three-circle method, modified three-circle method and ramal plane (RP) method were used by 2 separate observers for the measurement of condylar height and long axis of condyle on TMJ MRI. Pearson correlation coefficient (PCCs), intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), paired t test and Bland–Altman analysis were applied for the comparison of CH and long axis of condyle between 2 observers. Thirty-two patients’ images were finally included in our study. Comparing the 3 methods, it was revealed that the RP method has the highest consistency among the observers, followed by the modified three-circle method, and the traditional three-circle method has the worst consistency. The RP method is preferred for measuring the condylar height on MRI. If mandible edge cannot be observed on MRI, the modified three-circle method is recommended.