The paper describes the instantaneous frequency of spin echo (IFSE) and instantaneous frequency of spin echoes series (IFSES) methods for the measurement of the gradient magnetic field time and spatial characteristics in MR systems. A comparison of the two described methods is presented as well as the time characteristics of gradients time decays. From the results obtained by measurement it follows that both methods are convenient for simple and quick characterization of the gradient magnetic field in MR tomographic magnets. Both methods, IFSES in particular, enable prolonging the time when the time characteristics are measurable with sustained accuracy.