Water to Rice Ratio Calculator
Find the right amount of water for any quantity of rice based on the variety.
Result
Common Rice-to-Water Ratios
Different rice varieties absorb different amounts of water. The ratios below are measured in cups of water per cup of dry rice, the standard starting point for stovetop and rice-cooker methods.
- White, long-grain: 2 cups water per cup of rice
- White, medium-grain: 1.5 cups water per cup of rice
- Basmati: 1.5 cups water per cup of rice
- Jasmine: 1.5 cups water per cup of rice
- Brown: 2.5 cups water per cup of rice
- Sushi: 1.25 cups water per cup of rice
- Wild: 3 cups water per cup of rice
How the Calculation Works
The water you need is simply the amount of dry rice multiplied by the ratio for your chosen variety:
water (cups) = rice (cups) × ratio
As a rough guide, one cup of dry rice expands to about three cups once cooked, so you can also estimate your finished yield in advance.
Tips for Perfect Rice
- Rinse white rice until the water runs clear to remove surface starch and prevent clumping.
- Let it rest: after cooking, keep the lid on for 5 to 10 minutes so the moisture distributes evenly.
- Adjust to taste: these ratios are a reliable baseline. Use slightly less water for firmer rice and slightly more for softer rice.
Note: These ratios are general starting points. The ideal amount of water can vary with the specific brand, the age of the rice, your pot or rice cooker, and altitude. Treat the result as a guide and adjust to your preference.