Objective To compare the imaging findings of CT and MRI in chondroblastoma. Methods A total of 36 cases of patients with chondroblastoma who were collected from our hospital between January 2011 and December 2015 were included in the study. CT and MRI examination were performed. The value of the two in clinical diagnosis of chondroblastoma was compared. Results Main CT findings were lesion edge sclerosis, calcification in lesions, periosteum reaction, soft tissue swelling and adjacent joint effusion. After enhanced scan, the lesions showed mild to moderate enhancement. CT value increased 8-34HU. MRI showed that the lesion were orbicular-ovate or quasi-circular cystic bony destruction, with clear boundaries. T1WI showed low signal while T2WI showed high and low hybrid signal. Special findings included flake, speckled low signal calcification or bone crest, low signal sclerosis area on the edges of lesions. T2WI bone marrow cavity around the lesion showed T2 edema signal. There were no significant differences in detection rates of the two examination methods in signs such as expansile lesions, pane-like changes and the epiphyseal plate or epiphyseal line crossing etc. (P>0.05); The detection rates of CT for clear boundary with marginal sclerosis and calcification within the lesions (61.1%, 66.7%) were higher than those of MRI (36.1%, 41.7%) while the detection rate for bone marrow edema (2.8%) was lower than that of MRI (27.8%) (P<0.05). Conclusions CT and MRI in the diagnosis of chondroblastoma have their own advantages and disadvantages. CT can better show marginal sclerosis and calcification within the lesions while is poorer in displaying bone marrow edema. In clinical diagnosis, it needs to be identified from bone giant cell tumor, chondrosarcoma and chondroma etc.