In a method for determining excitation profiles from excitation pulses in a magnetic resonance, a homogeneous phantom is placed within the measurement volume of the magnetic resonance apparatus, at least one measurement data set of the phantom is acquired by operating the apparatus with a test pulse sequence composed of one excitation pulse, of which the excitation profile is to be determined, and a test gradient that is already activated on at full strength while the excitation pulse (A) is irradiated. The intensity profile of at least one acquired measurement data set in the direction in which the test gradient was switched on is determined in a processor, and the excitation profile of the excitation pulse is determined from the calculated intensity profile. The determined excitation profile is saved.