Rice to Water Ratio Calculator

The correct rice-to-water ratio is the single most important factor in cooking perfect rice. Too much water makes mushy rice. Too little makes it dry and crunchy.

Standard ratios by rice type:

• Long-grain white rice: 1 cup rice to 1.75 cups water
• Basmati rice: 1 cup rice to 1.5 cups water
• Jasmine rice: 1 cup rice to 1.25 cups water
• Short-grain / sushi rice: 1 cup rice to 1.25 cups water
• Brown rice: 1 cup rice to 2.25 cups water
• Wild rice: 1 cup rice to 3 cups water
• Arborio (risotto): 1 cup rice to 3.5 cups broth (added gradually)

Cooking times vary by type:

• White rice: 15-18 minutes
• Basmati: 12-15 minutes
• Jasmine: 12-15 minutes
• Sushi rice: 15-18 minutes (plus 10 min rest)
• Brown rice: 40-50 minutes
• Wild rice: 45-60 minutes

Serving size guidelines:

• 1/4 cup dry rice = 1 small side serving (~3/4 cup cooked)
• 1/3 cup dry rice = 1 standard side serving (~1 cup cooked)
• 1/2 cup dry rice = 1 large or main-dish serving (~1.5 cups cooked)

Rice expansion rate: Most white rice roughly triples in volume when cooked. Brown rice roughly doubles to triples. Wild rice roughly quadruples.

Pro tips:

• Rinse white and sushi rice until water runs clear to remove excess starch.
• Let rice rest 5-10 minutes after cooking with the lid on.
• At high altitude (above 3,000 ft / 900 m), add 2-4 tablespoons extra water per cup.