Objective:To compare effect of localizing magnetic resonance spectroscopy(MRS) for hippocampus by using of axial two demensional T₂ weighted(2DT₂W) imaging and whole brain three dimensional T₁ weighted(3DT₁W) imaging. Methods:MRI examinations were performed at a 3 tesla scanner(Achieva 3.0T TX, Philips Medical Systems, the Netherlands). Seven healthy participants were enrolled in this study. Hippocampal volume covered by the view of interest(VOI), metabolite relative concentration measured by N-acetylaspartate(NAA) to creatine(Cr) ratio(NAA/Cr) and myo-inositol(mI) to Cr ratio(mI/Cr) and signal-to-noise ratio of the NAA and mI were compared. Results:The 3DT₁W approach covered a larger amount of mean hippocampal volume and with a higher NAA/Cr than that of the 2DT₂W approach. Signal-to-noise ratio of NAA detected by the 3DT₁W approach was lower than that detected by the 2DT₂W approach. However, no statistical significance was observed(P>0.05). A lower signal-to-noise ratio of mI was detected by the 3DT₁W approach in right hippocampus(P=0.028). Conclusion:The 3DT₁W approach might improve the accuracy of localization of hippocampal magnetic resonance spectroscopy. However, reduced signal-to-noise ratio of the metabolites were observed. further researches are needed for a thorough evaluation.