Rice-to-Water Ratio Calculator
Pick your rice type and quantity — get the exact water, cook time, and soak time.
Rice type
Water + time
Water
3cups
Ratio 1.5:1 by volume
Cook time
18 min
Soak first
Optional
Top-rated rice cookers
Zojirushi
Zojirushi NS-WAC10-WD 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer
Zojirushi
Zojirushi NL-DCC10CP Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer, 5.5 Cups, Pearl Beige
Zojirushi
Zojirushi NW-YNC10WA Induction Rice Cooker and Warmer 5.5 Cup, White
CUCKOO
Cuckoo CRP-RT0609FW 6 cup Twin Pressure Plate Rice Cooker & Warmer with High Heat, GABA, Mixed, Scorched, Turbo, Porridge, Baby Food, Steam (Hi/Non Press.) and more, Made in Korea (White)
How this works
Why does basmati need more water than jasmine?
Basmati grains are longer and absorb more water as they extend. Jasmine is more compact so a 1.25:1 ratio is enough. Both should be rinsed; basmati benefits from soaking too.
Should I rinse rice before cooking?
Yes for almost all types except risotto rice (arborio). Rinsing removes surface starch that makes grains gummy. Rinse until the water runs mostly clear.
Why does brown rice take so much longer?
Brown rice keeps its bran layer, which is fibrous and slow to hydrate. It needs more water (about 2:1) and twice the cook time of white rice — roughly 45 minutes.
These ratios are for stovetop — do rice cookers differ?
Slightly. Most rice cookers are calibrated for short-grain Asian rice and assume a 1.2:1 ratio. For other rice types, follow these ratios using the measuring cup that came with the cooker.