Rice Water Ratio Calculator

Look up the correct rice-to-water ratio for any rice variety — white, basmati, jasmine, brown, wild, arborio — with exact quantities for your amount.

Share this calculator

Rice type

Cups of dry rice

Water Ratio

1 : 2

Dry rice 1 cup (185 g)

Water needed 2 cups (473 ml)

Cooking time 18 min

Also in Ingredients & Conversions

Rice Calculator

Cooking

Rice water ratio calculator: exact ratios for every rice variety

The correct rice-to-water ratio depends entirely on the variety of rice. White long-grain uses 1:2; basmati and short-grain use 1:1.5; jasmine uses 1:1.75; brown rice needs 1:2.5; and wild rice requires 1:3. Select your rice type and enter the quantity for exact water volumes and cooking times.

Why ratios differ between rice varieties

Different rice varieties have different starch structures, grain density, and bran content, all of which affect water absorption. Long-grain white rice stays fluffy and separate with a 1:2 ratio. Short-grain white rice is starchier and stickier — it needs less extra water because the starch holds moisture, hence 1:1.5. Basmati is a fine-polished long-grain rice that cooks very efficiently at 1:1.5. Brown rice has an intact bran layer that slows water absorption, requiring both more water (1:2.5) and more time (40 minutes).

The absorption principle: all the water you add should be fully absorbed by the time cooking is complete, leaving perfectly cooked grains without waterlogging or burning. The ratios are calibrated for stovetop absorption cooking with a tightly fitting lid.

Water (cups) = Rice (cups) × Ratio

For 2 cups of basmati at 1:1.5: 2 × 1.5 = 3 cups of water.

Water (ml) = Rice (cups) × Ratio × 236.6

Converts the result to millilitres (1 US cup = 236.6 ml).

Stove, rice cooker, and microwave differences

The ratios quoted here are calibrated for stovetop absorption cooking. Rice cookers typically use 5–10% less water because their sealed environment traps more steam — most have graduated markings inside the bowl that account for this. Microwave cooking generally requires more water because the container is not fully sealed.

Elevation affects the ratio: at altitude above 1500 m, water boils at a lower temperature and evaporates more quickly. Add an extra 2 tablespoons of water per cup of rice and extend cooking time by 5 minutes. Rice cookers with pressure functions compensate automatically.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the same ratio for rinsed and un-rinsed rice?

Rinsing removes surface starch and a small amount of water is absorbed during rinsing. In practice the effect is small — a tablespoon or two less water for rinsed rice is a sufficient adjustment. The ratios here assume standard dry rice without pre-soaking.

What is the ratio for sushi rice?

Sushi rice uses short-grain Japanese white rice cooked at approximately 1:1.1 to 1:1.2 (slightly drier than regular eating rice), then seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt while still hot.

Is the ratio different for pilaf or fried rice?

Pilaf typically uses 1:1.5 to 1:1.75 for long-grain white rice cooked in a covered pan with stock. For fried rice, cook the rice ahead of time with a slightly drier ratio (1:1.5) so the grains stay separate and do not clump in the wok.

Rice Water Ratio Calculator

Rice water ratio calculator: exact ratios for every rice variety

Why ratios differ between rice varieties

Stove, rice cooker, and microwave differences

More from nearby categories

Rice Calculator

Coffee Ratio Calculator

Pizza Dough Calculator

Recipe Scaler