RiceWaterRatio
Calculate the exact water needed for any type of rice including white, brown, jasmine, basmati, and sushi. Get precise ratios and cooking times for perfect rice.
About This Calculator
The Rice to Water Ratio Calculator helps you determine the exact amount of water needed for any type of rice, from white long grain and basmati to brown rice and sushi rice. Getting the rice to water ratio right is the key to perfectly cooked, fluffy rice every time without guesswork or wasted ingredients.
Different rice varieties absorb water differently based on their grain structure, starch content, and whether the bran layer is intact. White long grain rice needs a 1:2 ratio (1 cup rice to 2 cups water), while short grain and sushi rice need less water at 1:1.25 to 1:1.33. Brown rice, with its intact bran layer, requires more water and significantly longer cooking times. Our calculator accounts for 12 different rice types with their specific ratios and cooking time ranges, so you always get accurate results.
For best results, rinse white rice varieties (unless fortified) to remove excess starch for fluffier grains. Aromatic rice like jasmine and basmati can be soaked for 15 to 30 minutes before cooking to enhance their signature fragrance. Always bring rice and water to a boil, then simmer covered on low heat without lifting the lid until all liquid is absorbed. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes off the heat before fluffing with a fork.
Regional Notes
India: Basmati rice is the most common variety, using a 1:1.5 ratio. Many Indian households also use parboiled (converted) rice which needs a 1:2.25 ratio. Rice cookers are popular in urban areas.
United States: White long grain and converted (parboiled) rice are pantry staples. The standard US cup (236.5 ml) is used. Fortified white rice should not be rinsed to retain added vitamins and minerals.
United Kingdom: Basmati and long grain rice are most common. Rice is often measured by weight (grams) in the UK; 1 cup of uncooked rice is approximately 185 grams. Cooking methods include absorption (stovetop) and boiling in excess water (drained).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard rice to water ratio?
The standard rice to water ratio varies by rice type. White long grain rice uses a 1:2 ratio (1 cup rice to 2 cups water), jasmine and brown long grain use 1:1.75, basmati and white medium grain use 1:1.5, sushi rice uses 1:1.33, and white short grain uses 1:1.25. Converted parboiled rice needs the most water at 1:2.25.
How much water do I need for 1 cup of rice?
For 1 cup of rice, water needed varies: white long grain needs 2 cups, jasmine needs 1.75 cups, basmati needs 1.5 cups, sushi rice needs 1.33 cups, white short grain needs 1.25 cups, brown long grain needs 1.75 cups, and parboiled rice needs 2.25 cups. Always check your rice package for specific instructions.
What is the jasmine rice to water ratio?
The jasmine rice to water ratio is 1:1.75. For every 1 cup of jasmine rice, you need 1.75 cups of water. Jasmine rice typically cooks in 15 to 18 minutes and benefits from a quick rinse before cooking to remove excess starch.
How long does brown rice take to cook?
Brown rice takes 40 to 50 minutes to cook, which is significantly longer than white rice (15 to 20 minutes). Brown long grain uses a 1:1.75 rice to water ratio, while brown medium and short grain use a 1:2 ratio. The longer cooking time is because brown rice still has its bran layer intact.
Should I rinse rice before cooking?
Rinsing rice removes excess surface starch and helps produce fluffier, less sticky results. However, rice fortified with vitamins and minerals (common in the US) should not be rinsed as it washes away added nutrients. Soaking aromatic rice varieties like jasmine and basmati for 15 to 30 minutes can enhance flavor by preserving acetylpyrroline compounds.
What is the best way to cook rice on a stove?
To cook rice on a stove, bring the rice and water to a boil, stir once, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer until all water is absorbed. Do not lift the lid while cooking. Once done, remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Cooking times vary from 15 minutes for white rice to 50 minutes for brown rice.
How much does 1 cup of uncooked rice yield when cooked?
One cup of uncooked white rice typically yields about 3 cups of cooked rice. Brown rice yields slightly less, about 2.5 to 3 cups. The exact yield depends on the rice variety and the amount of water used. Most rice roughly triples in volume after cooking.
Can I use this ratio for a rice cooker?
Yes, these rice to water ratios work well for rice cookers as well. Rice cookers automatically regulate temperature and cooking time, making them even more foolproof. Use the same water ratios recommended here, and your rice cooker will handle the rest. Most rice cooker cups are 180 ml (3/4 of a standard US cup), so adjust quantities accordingly.