Rice Water Ratio Calculator
The water-to-rice ratio is the most critical factor in cooking perfect rice. Too little water and the rice is undercooked and crunchy in the center. Too much water and the rice turns mushy. The correct ratio varies significantly between rice varieties: long-grain white rice, short-grain rice, brown rice, jasmine, basmati, arborio (risotto), and sushi rice each require different amounts of water and different cooking times. This calculator covers 8 common rice varieties, calculates the exact water amount based on how many cups of dry rice you want to cook, and provides the cooking time and resting time. Enter your rice quantity and select your rice type to get your complete cooking guide.
Rice water ratio formula
Water (cups) = dry rice (cups) * ratio
Yield (cooked cups) = dry rice (cups) * expansion factor
Example (long-grain white): 2 cups rice * 1.75 = 3.50 cups water
Ratios are for stovetop cooking in a pot with a tight-fitting lid over low heat after bringing to a boil. Rice cooker ratios may differ slightly.
Stovetop rice cooking method
- Combine rice, water, and a pinch of salt in a pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to the lowest setting and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
- Cook for the time shown. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
- Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and serve. Do not stir before resting or the rice will become gummy.
Rice cooking: frequently asked questions
What is the standard water-to-rice ratio for white rice?
Long-grain white rice typically uses a 1.5:1 to 2:1 water-to-rice ratio by volume (1.5 to 2 cups water per cup of rice). Short-grain white rice uses about 1.25:1. The exact ratio depends on the variety, age, and cooking method.
Why does brown rice need more water?
Brown rice still has its bran layer intact, which is denser and takes longer to absorb water. It typically requires a 2:1 to 2.5:1 water-to-rice ratio and 40-50 minutes of cooking time vs 15-20 minutes for white rice.
Should I rinse rice before cooking?
Rinsing removes surface starch that causes excessive stickiness and cloudiness. For fluffy, separated grains, rinse white rice until the water runs clear. For risotto or sushi rice where stickiness is desired, skipping or reducing rinsing is common.
What happens if I use too much or too little water?
Too much water produces mushy, wet rice. Too little produces undercooked, hard rice with a crunchy center. Each rice variety has a specific absorption capacity; this calculator provides the correct ratio for each type.
Does the cooking vessel affect the ratio?
Yes. A tight-fitting lid retains more steam, so less water is needed. A loose lid lets steam escape and needs more water. Rice cookers are calibrated for their specific lid, which is why package ratios sometimes differ from rice cooker markings.
Official sources
- USDA Agricultural Research Service: FoodData Central - Rice.
- USA Rice Federation (industry nutrition reference): USA Rice.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.