What is the ratio of rice to water?
It depends on the rice. The classic white rice ratio is 1:2 — one cup of rice to two cups of water — but that's actually on the wet side for many varieties. Basmati and jasmine do better at about 1:1.5, while brown rice needs more, around 1:2.25–2.5, because the bran layer takes longer to soften. The calculator above holds the right ratio for each type and scales the water to whatever amount you're cooking.
How much water for 1 or 2 cups of rice?
For plain white rice at 1:2: 1 cup of rice takes 2 cups of water, and 2 cups of rice take 4 cups. For basmati at 1:1.5: 1 cup takes 1.5 cups of water. The trap is that ratios don't always scale linearly on the stovetop — a bigger pot loses less to evaporation — so for large batches you can pull the water back slightly. The calculator does the arithmetic for whatever quantity you enter.
Does the method change the water?
Yes. A rice cooker is sealed, so it loses almost no water and can use a touch less. The stovetop loses steam, so it needs the standard ratio (and a tight lid helps). The oven / baked-rice method and the pilaf method (toasting the grains first) also shift things slightly. The single most common fix for bad rice is a lid that actually seals — most 'failed' rice is really lost steam.
Rinsing, resting and the perfect grain
Two habits matter as much as the ratio. Rinse most rice (especially basmati and jasmine) until the water runs clear to wash off surface starch that makes it gluey. And rest it covered for 10 minutes off the heat after cooking, so the moisture redistributes and the bottom layer isn't wetter than the top. Get the water right with the tool, add those two steps, and you'll get separate, fluffy grains.
Ratios are typical starting points and vary by variety, age of the rice and stove; adjust once to your setup and it'll be repeatable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rice to water ratio?
White rice is classically 1:2 (1 cup rice to 2 cups water). Basmati and jasmine are better at about 1:1.5, and brown rice needs about 1:2.25–2.5.
How much water for 2 cups of rice?
For white rice at 1:2, use 4 cups of water. For basmati at 1:1.5, use 3 cups. Enter your type and amount above for the exact figure.
How much water for brown rice?
About 2.25–2.5 cups of water per cup of brown rice, and a longer cook — the bran layer needs more time and moisture than white rice.
Is the ratio different in a rice cooker?
Slightly — a sealed rice cooker loses almost no water, so you can use a touch less than the stovetop ratio. The tool gives a good starting point.
Why is my rice mushy or crunchy?
Mushy usually means too much water or no resting; crunchy means too little water or the lid let steam escape. Match the ratio to the rice type and keep the lid sealed.