Rice to Water Ratio Calculator
1 cup of white rice needs 1.5 cups of water on the stove. Pick your rice and method for brown, jasmine, basmati, rice cooker, and Instant Pot.
Quick Answer
Standard ratio: 1 cup rice to 1.5 cups water (white rice, stovetop)
- 1 cup rice → 1.5 cups water
- 2 cups rice → 3 cups water
- Brown rice: 1 cup rice → 1.9 cups water
- Rice cooker: Use 10-15% less water
How much water for 3 cups of rice?
For 3 cups of white rice on the stove, use 4.5 cups of water (the 1:1.5 ratio). For 4 cups of rice, use 6 cups of water.
| Cups of white rice | Cups of water (stovetop) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.5 |
| 2 | 3 |
| 3 | 4.5 |
| 4 | 6 |
| 5 | 7.5 |
| 6 | 9 |
Brown rice needs more water (about 1.9 cups per cup of rice). A rice cooker needs 10-15% less.
Calculator
Extra cooked rice left over? The leftover recipe generator turns leftover rice plus what's in the fridge into a new meal.
Rice to Water Ratio Chart
| Rice Type | Stovetop | Rice Cooker | Instant Pot |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Rice | 1:1.5 | 1:1.35 | 1:1.25 |
| Brown Rice | 1:1.9 | 1:1.7 | 1:1.5 |
| Jasmine Rice | 1:1.5 | 1:1.35 | 1:1.25 |
| Basmati Rice | 1:1.5 | 1:1.35 | 1:1.25 |
| Sushi Rice | 1:1.2 | 1:1.1 | 1:1.1 |
Ratios shown are rice:water. For example, 1:1.5 means 1 cup rice to 1.5 cups water. For the stove steps that use these amounts, see how to cook rice perfectly.
Troubleshooting: Why Is My Rice Mushy?
Too Much Water
Measure carefully using the ratios in our chart or calculator above.
Wrong Temperature
After boiling, reduce to low heat immediately and keep covered.
Not Rinsing
Rinse rice 2-3 times until water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Overcooking
White rice: 15-18 min. Brown rice: 40-45 min. Don't extend time.
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