The gradient coil for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is adapted to encode information on a spatial position of a subject to be inspected into a nuclear magnetic resonance signal. The gradient coil includes a primary gradient coil and a shielded gradient coil. The primary gradient coil generates a gradient magnetic field in the imaging area. The shielded gradient coil is located on the side opposite to the imaging area relative to the primary gradient coil and cancels the gradient magnetic field generated by the primary magnetic field. The shielded gradient coil has a first area including a central axis perpendicularly extending through the central portion of the imaging area and a second area located on the side of the outer circumference of the first area. The second area is more inclined toward the imaging area than the first area.