Rice Calculator - Uncooked to Cooked Rice Converter
Calculate how much cooked rice you'll get from uncooked rice with our free calculator. Get perfect portions for any number of people and rice type.
Calculate Your Rice Calculator - Uncooked to Cooked Rice Converter
Understanding Rice Conversion: From Uncooked to Cooked
Rice is a staple food for more than half of the world's population and comes in many varieties, each with different cooking properties. Understanding how rice expands during cooking is essential for meal planning and portion control. Our rice calculator helps you determine exactly how much uncooked rice you need to achieve your desired amount of cooked rice.
The Science of Rice Expansion
When rice cooks, it absorbs water and expands significantly. The degree of expansion depends on the type of rice:
- White long-grain rice: Typically expands to 3 times its uncooked volume
- Brown rice: Usually expands to about 3 times its uncooked volume
- Basmati and other aromatic rices: Can expand to 3-4 times their original volume
- Short-grain and sushi rice: Generally expands to about 2.5-2.7 times its original volume
This expansion happens because the rice grains absorb water during cooking, causing the starch within to gelatinize and the grains to soften and increase in size.
Rice Measurements and Conversions
| Uncooked Rice | Cooked Rice (Approximate) | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 1/3 cup (65g) | 1 cup (175g) | 1 |
| 2/3 cup (130g) | 2 cups (350g) | 2 |
| 1 cup (195g) | 3 cups (525g) | 3 |
| 1 1/3 cups (260g) | 4 cups (700g) | 4 |
| 2 cups (390g) | 6 cups (1050g) | 6 |
| 3 cups (585g) | 9 cups (1575g) | 9 |
Note: These are approximations for white long-grain rice. Different rice varieties may have different expansion rates.
Recommended Serving Sizes
The appropriate serving size for rice depends on whether it's a main dish or a side dish:
- Side dish: 1/2 cup cooked rice per person
- Main dish component: 1 cup cooked rice per person
- Sole main dish (e.g., rice bowl): 1.5-2 cups cooked rice per person
These serving sizes can be adjusted based on dietary preferences and nutritional goals.
Different Types of Rice and Their Characteristics
Long-Grain Rice
This type of rice has long, slender grains that stay separate and fluffy after cooking. It's ideal for pilafs, side dishes, and recipes where distinct grains are desired. Examples include Basmati, Jasmine, and American long-grain rice.
Medium-Grain Rice
Medium-grain rice is shorter and wider than long-grain, with a moist and tender texture when cooked. It's more likely to stick together than long-grain rice, making it suitable for dishes like paella and risotto.
Short-Grain Rice
Short-grain rice has nearly round grains that stick together when cooked, resulting in a creamy, chewy texture. It's perfect for sushi, rice pudding, and other dishes where stickiness is desired.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole grain with only the outermost hull removed, retaining the bran and germ layers. It has a nuttier flavor and chewier texture than white rice and requires more cooking time and water. It's more nutritious than white rice, containing more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Specialty Rice
Varieties like wild rice, black rice, red rice, and Arborio each have unique flavors, textures, and cooking properties. They often require specific water ratios and cooking times for best results.
Tips for Perfect Rice Every Time
- Rinse the rice: For most varieties (except risotto rice), rinse until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and any impurities.
- Use the right water ratio: Different rice types require different water ratios. Generally, use 1.5-2 cups of water per cup of white rice, and 2-2.5 cups of water per cup of brown rice.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 5-10 minutes to allow the moisture to distribute evenly.
- Fluff with a fork: Gently fluff cooked rice with a fork rather than stirring to keep the grains separate.
- Enhance flavor: Add salt, butter, oil, or herbs to the cooking water for extra flavor.
Our rice calculator takes the guesswork out of cooking rice, helping you prepare the perfect amount for your needs. Whether you're cooking for one person or a large gathering, you can easily determine how much uncooked rice to start with to achieve your desired amount of cooked rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, rice expands to about 3 times its uncooked volume when cooked. However, this can vary based on the type of rice. Long-grain white rice typically triples in size, while short-grain rice may expand a bit less, around 2.5 times. Brown rice and wild rice generally triple in volume, while specialty rices like Basmati can expand 3-4 times. This expansion occurs because the rice grains absorb water during cooking, causing the starch to gelatinize and the grains to increase in size.
The amount of uncooked rice needed per person depends on whether rice is served as a main dish or side dish:
- Side dish: 1/4 cup (45-50g) uncooked rice per person
- Main dish component: 1/3 cup (60-70g) uncooked rice per person
- Main dish only: 1/2 cup (90-100g) uncooked rice per person
These measurements assume white long-grain rice. Adjust slightly for different rice varieties and personal preferences. For hearty eaters or if you want leftovers, you may want to increase these amounts.
The ideal water-to-rice ratio varies by rice type:
- White long-grain rice: 1:2 (1 cup rice to 2 cups water)
- White medium/short-grain rice: 1:1.5 (1 cup rice to 1.5 cups water)
- Brown rice (any grain length): 1:2.5 (1 cup rice to 2.5 cups water)
- Basmati or Jasmine: 1:1.5 (1 cup rice to 1.5 cups water)
- Wild rice: 1:3 or 1:4 (1 cup rice to 3-4 cups water)
- Arborio (risotto): Start with 1:3, adding more liquid as needed
These ratios may need adjustment based on your cooking method and desired texture. Rice cookers often require less water than stovetop methods due to less evaporation.
For perfectly cooked rice, follow these steps:
- Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear (except for risotto rice)
- Use the correct water-to-rice ratio for your specific rice type
- Bring water and rice to a boil in a pot with a tight-fitting lid
- Add a pinch of salt if desired
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover
- Simmer without removing the lid (15-20 minutes for white rice, 40-45 for brown rice)
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5-10 minutes
- Fluff with a fork before serving
For the absorption method (described above), avoid stirring the rice during cooking as this can release starch and make the rice gummy.
No, different types of rice have different expansion rates and water absorption properties. While the general rule of rice tripling in volume when cooked applies to many varieties, there are notable exceptions. For example, short-grain rice typically expands about 2.5 times, while Basmati can expand up to 4 times its original volume. Brown rice has similar expansion to white rice but requires more water and longer cooking time. Wild rice can expand 3-4 times. For the most accurate results, our calculator accounts for these differences by using specific expansion factors for each rice variety.
For 10 people, the amount of uncooked rice you need depends on whether it's a side dish or main dish. For a side dish, you'll need about 2.5 cups (450-500g) of uncooked rice, which will yield approximately 7.5 cups of cooked rice. For rice as part of a main dish, use about 3.3 cups (600-650g) of uncooked rice, yielding about 10 cups cooked. If rice is the primary component of the meal, use 5 cups (900-1000g) of uncooked rice, yielding about 15 cups cooked. These amounts assume white long-grain rice. For special occasions or if you want leftovers, consider increasing these amounts by about 25%.
To safely store leftover cooked rice:
- Cool rice quickly (within 1 hour) by spreading it in a thin layer or dividing into smaller portions
- Refrigerate in airtight containers once cooled
- Use within 3-4 days
- When reheating, ensure rice is steaming hot throughout
- Never reheat rice more than once
Cooked rice can harbor Bacillus cereus bacteria, which can cause food poisoning. These bacteria can survive even after cooking and multiply rapidly at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze cooked rice in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator or reheat from frozen.
Yes, brown rice is generally considered healthier than white rice. Brown rice is a whole grain that contains all parts of the grain — the bran, germ, and endosperm. White rice has had the fiber-rich bran and the nutrient-rich germ removed, leaving only the starchy endosperm. As a result, brown rice provides more fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than white rice. It has a lower glycemic index, meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar. Brown rice provides more magnesium, selenium, and other beneficial compounds. However, white rice is easier to digest and may be preferred for certain dishes or by people with specific digestive conditions. White rice is also enriched in some countries to replace some of the nutrients lost during processing.
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