A self-shielded gradient adapted to be disposed within a main magnet field of an MRI scanner includes a gradient coil having a shield current distribution J.sub.s based on current density components .phi..sub.n on a gradient surface where.times..times..times..PHI. ##EQU00001## The current distribution is a predetermined value within a volume defined by a periphery of the gradient coil. The current distribution is substantially zero outside the periphery of the gradient coil. According to a method of producing a self-shielded gradient, a shield current distribution J.sub.s is determined based on current density components .phi..sub.n on a gradient surface where.times..times..times..PHI. ##EQU00002## by using an optimization technique, and a gradient coil is constructed according to the shield current distribution. The current distribution is a predetermined value within a volume defined by a periphery of the gradient coil. The current distribution is substantially zero outside the periphery of the gradient coil.