Rice Water Ratio Calculator
Last updated: 2026-06-25
White rice needs about 1.1-1.2 times its volume in water, brown rice 1.5 times, and mixed-grain rice 1.3-1.4 times. Enter the rice type and amount to get the right amount of water and the rice to water ratio.
Use more water for softer rice and less for firmer rice. For new-crop rice, use slightly less water.
Enter rice type and amount
Water needed
0mL
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Rice type | |
| Rice amount | |
| Water amount | |
| Water amount (cups) | |
| Rice : water ratio (by volume) |
The amount of water varies by how old the rice is and the type of cooker (standard or pressure). The values shown are estimates for a standard electric rice cooker; for rice you are cooking for the first time, cook once and then adjust the water next time.
How to use
- Select the rice type — Choose from white, brown, mixed-grain, or glutinous rice.
- Enter the rice amount — Enter the rice amount in cups (180 mL) or grams.
- Choose the texture and view the result — Choose soft, normal, or firm to see the right amount of water (in mL and cups) and the rice to water ratio.
Water ratio chart by rice type
The amount of water determines how the rice tastes. Below are recommended water ratios by rice type (relative to the rice volume) for a standard electric rice cooker. When measuring with a cup, use the same cup for rice and water to match the ratio easily.
| Rice type | Rice : water | Soaking | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| White rice | 1 : 1.15 | 30 min recommended | Use slightly less water for new-crop rice |
| Brown rice | 1 : 1.5 | 2 hours or more | Softer the longer it soaks |
| Mixed-grain rice | 1 : 1.35 | 1 hour recommended | Adjust by the grain ratio |
| Glutinous (sticky) rice | 1 : 0.9 | 1 hour recommended | Less water; steaming is even better |
For reference, one cup is about 180 mL, and 1 cup (180 mL) of rice weighs about 150g. By weight, about 1.2 mL of water per gram is right for white rice. A pressure cooker loses less water to evaporation, so you can use 5-10% less. Once the rice is cooked, check the calories of a bowl with the Food Calorie Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the rice to water ratio?
For white rice, about 1.1-1.2 times the volume of the rice in water is right. By weight, that is about 1.2-1.3 mL per gram of rice. Brown rice needs about 1.5 times and mixed-grain rice about 1.3-1.4 times more water to cook tender. New-crop rice holds more moisture, so use slightly less water; for older rice, use a bit more.
Can I measure rice and water with a cup?
Yes. A standard cup here is about 180 mL, and 1 cup (180 mL) of rice weighs about 150g. This calculator converts cups to mL and grams. Using the same cup for both rice and water makes it easy to match the ratio.
Do brown rice and mixed-grain rice need more water?
Yes. Brown rice and mixed grains have a tough outer layer that absorbs more water, so add about 1.3-1.5 times more water than white rice and, if possible, soak for 30 minutes to several hours before cooking. With a pressure cooker you can use a little less water.
How do I get softer or firmer rice?
For softer (wetter) rice, add 5-10% more water; for firmer (fluffier) rice, use 5-10% less. When you choose soft, normal, or firm in the texture option, this calculator adjusts the amount of water automatically.
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Last updated: 2026-06-25