Rice to Water Ratio Calculator
Get the perfect rice to water ratio for any rice type.
Select white, brown, basmati, jasmine, or sushi rice and get exact water amounts and cooking times.
The rice-to-water ratio determines whether cooked rice turns out fluffy, mushy, or undercooked. Different rice types absorb different amounts of water, and cooking method (stovetop, rice cooker, microwave) changes the ratio too.
The Core Formula:
Water (cups) = Rice (cups) × Ratio
Standard Ratios by Rice Type:
| Rice Type | Water Ratio (cups water per cup rice) |
|---|---|
| Long-grain white (basmati, jasmine) | 1.5 : 1 |
| Medium-grain white | 1.75 : 1 |
| Short-grain white (sushi rice) | 1.25 : 1 |
| Brown rice (long-grain) | 2.0 : 1 |
| Brown rice (short-grain) | 2.5 : 1 |
| Wild rice | 3.0 : 1 |
| Parboiled (converted) rice | 2.25 : 1 |
Worked Example:
Cooking 2 cups of basmati rice on the stovetop:
Water = 2 × 1.5 = 3 cups
Bring to boil, reduce to lowest heat, cover, cook 15–18 minutes. Rest 5 minutes with lid on before fluffing.
Adjusting for Altitude:
At high altitude (above 1,500 m / 5,000 ft), water boils at a lower temperature, so rice cooks more slowly and needs slightly more water:
Add 2–3 tablespoons of extra water per cup of rice, and increase cooking time by 5 minutes.
Rice Cooker vs. Stovetop:
Rice cookers are often calibrated to their own cup sizes (180 mL, not 240 mL). Use the marks on the inner pot, not standard measuring cups, when using a rice cooker.
Practical Tips:
- Rinsing rice removes surface starch and reduces stickiness — always rinse basmati and jasmine
- Never lift the lid during cooking — steam escapes and the ratio breaks down
- Old or dry rice may need slightly more water than fresh rice