Rice to Water Ratio Calculator

Pick your rice type and number of servings β€” get the exact amount of rice and water. Covers basmati, jasmine, sushi, brown, wild, and more.

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Quick:
Dry Rice
β€” cups
β€” g
Water
β€” cups
β€” ml
Ratio: 1 : 2
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Long-Grain White

Cook Time
15-18 minutes
Method
β€”
Rinse?
β€”
Tips
β€”

All Rice Ratios β€” Quick Reference

About This Tool

Getting rice right comes down to one thing: the water ratio. Too much and it's mushy, too little and it's crunchy. Every rice type has a different ideal ratio β€” and this calculator knows them all. Pick your rice type, set the number of servings, and get the exact amount of dry rice and water you need. The tool covers basmati, jasmine, sushi, brown, wild, arborio, sticky rice, and long-grain white β€” each with its own ratio, cook time, and method tips. Whether you're using a stovetop pot, rice cooker, or Instant Pot β€” this is the reference you'll come back to every time. No more guessing, no more sticky disasters.

How to Use

1. Select your rice type from the presets 2. Set the number of servings (1 serving β‰ˆ 75g / ΒΌ cup uncooked) 3. View the rice and water amounts in cups and metric (g/ml) 4. Check the cooking instructions and tips for your rice type 5. Adjust servings up or down β€” amounts update instantly 6. Click "Copy Link" to save your calculation

Formula

Water = Dry rice Γ— Ratio Dry rice per serving β‰ˆ 75 g (ΒΌ cup uncooked β†’ ~ΒΎ cup cooked) Common ratios (rice : water): Long-grain white 1 : 2 Basmati 1 : 1.5 Jasmine 1 : 1.25 Sushi (short-grain) 1 : 1.2 Brown 1 : 2.5 Wild 1 : 3 Arborio (risotto) 1 : 3 Sticky / glutinous 1 : 1.2

Frequently Asked Questions

How much water do I need for 2 cups of rice?
It depends on the rice type. For long-grain white: 4 cups water (1:2 ratio). Basmati: 3 cups (1:1.5). Jasmine: 2.5 cups (1:1.25). Brown rice: 5 cups (1:2.5). The ratio is always rice:water, so multiply your rice cups by the ratio.
What is the rice to water ratio for basmati?
Basmati rice uses a 1:1.5 ratio β€” 1 cup rice to 1Β½ cups water. Rinse basmati 2-3 times until the water runs clear, and optionally soak for 20-30 minutes for longer, fluffier grains. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes.
What is the rice to water ratio for brown rice?
Brown rice uses a 1:2.5 ratio β€” 1 cup rice to 2Β½ cups water. Brown rice takes longer to cook (40-50 minutes) because the bran layer is intact. Some cooks prefer to soak it for 30 minutes first to reduce cooking time. Use low heat and keep the lid on.
How much rice per person?
A standard serving is about 75g (ΒΌ cup) of uncooked rice per person, which yields roughly ΒΎ cup (180g) of cooked rice. For bigger appetites or rice as the main dish, use 100g (β…“ cup) per person. This calculator uses 75g as the default.
Does the water ratio change for a rice cooker?
Most rice cookers work with the same ratios listed here. Some rice cookers have their own measurement cup (usually 180ml, not a standard 240ml cup), so check your manual. The key principle is the same: more water for brown/wild rice, less for jasmine/sushi rice.
Should I rinse rice before cooking?
Yes, for most types. Rinsing removes excess surface starch that causes stickiness. Basmati and jasmine should be rinsed 2-3 times. Sushi rice is rinsed then the extra stickiness is desired. Arborio for risotto should NOT be rinsed β€” that starch creates the creamy texture. Brown and wild rice benefit from a quick rinse.
Why is my rice always mushy or undercooked?
Mushy rice = too much water or cooking too long. Undercooked rice = too little water or not enough time. Use the correct ratio for your rice type (they vary significantly), keep the lid on during cooking, and don't stir β€” stirring releases starch and makes rice gummy. Let it rest 5 minutes after cooking before fluffing.

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