Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) combined with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) using various diffusion-sensitive gradient (DSG) value (b-values) for the preoperative staging of cervical cancer. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 92 patients with cervical cancer admitted to our hospital from March 2020 to April 2024. All patients underwent both DCE-MRI and DWI examinations. The DCE-MRI quantitative parameters [volume transfer constant (Ktrans), rate constant (Kep), and extravascular extracellular space volume fraction (Ve)] and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were compared across different stages defined by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). Using surgical and pathological findings as the gold standard, the diagnostic accuracy of DCE-MRI, DWI, and their combination for cervical cancer staging was compared. Results As FIGO stages progressed, the values of Ktrans, Kep, and Ve exhibited an increasing trend (all P＜0.05), while ADC values showed a decreasing trend (P＜0.05). The overall diagnostic accuracy of DCE-MRI for staging was 88.04% (81/92), and that of DWI was 89.13% (82/92). However, the combined diagnostic accuracy reached 96.74% (89/92), which was significantly higher than that of either modality alone (P＜0.05). Conclusion Both DCE-MRI quantitative parameters and DWI with various b-values are effective auxiliary tools for the preoperative staging of cervical cancer. Their combination significantly enhances diagnostic accuracy and has high clinical application value.