Rice Cooker Water Ratio Calculator
Get the perfect water-to-rice ratio for any rice type and serving size.
Works for rice cookers, stovetop, and Instant Pot.
Never cook mushy rice again.
Water Needed
The water-to-rice ratio is the single most important factor in perfectly cooked rice. Too little water and the rice is hard and undercooked. Too much and it becomes sticky or mushy.
Standard ratios by rice type:
| Rice Type | Rice Cooker | Stovetop | Instant Pot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long grain white | 1 : 1.5 | 1 : 1.75 | 1 : 1.0 |
| Short grain white | 1 : 1.25 | 1 : 1.5 | 1 : 1.0 |
| Basmati | 1 : 1.5 | 1 : 1.75 | 1 : 1.0 |
| Jasmine | 1 : 1.25 | 1 : 1.5 | 1 : 1.0 |
| Brown rice | 1 : 2.0 | 1 : 2.25 | 1 : 1.25 |
| Wild rice | 1 : 3.0 | 1 : 3.5 | 1 : 1.5 |
| Sushi rice | 1 : 1.1 | 1 : 1.25 | 1 : 1.0 |
How it works: This calculator takes the rice amount (in cups or grams) and applies the correct ratio for your rice type and cooking method.
Serving size guide:
- 1 cup (185 g) dry rice → 2–3 cups cooked rice
- One serving = about 45 g (¼ cup) dry rice per person for a side dish
- One serving = about 90 g (½ cup) dry rice per person as a main
Tips for perfect rice:
- Rinse your rice — washing removes excess starch, which causes stickiness. Rinse until the water runs mostly clear.
- Let it rest — after cooking, leave the lid on for 5–10 minutes. Steam finishes the cooking.
- Altitude adjustment — at altitudes above 3,500 feet (1,067 m), add an extra 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of water per cup of rice.
- Old rice is drier — rice stored for a long time absorbs more water. Add a splash extra if your rice has been sitting in the pantry for months.
- Do not lift the lid during cooking — released steam affects the water balance.
Converting measurements:
- 1 cup of dry white rice ≈ 185 grams ≈ 6.5 oz
- 1 cup of dry brown rice ≈ 195 grams ≈ 6.9 oz
- 1 US cup = 240 mL of water