Two axial and coronal section planes are commonly used for a conventional computed tomography diagnosis of the temporal bone. In recent years, sagittal and oblique section planes have been reformatted using high-resolution multiplanar reconstruction (MPR). Detailed three-dimensional (3D) images are also employed. To understand the 3D structure of the small, complicated temporal bone, we compared common angle MPR section planes with 3D images. We also suggest four-section planes, which are optimal for observing the ossicular chain.