Different rices need different water ratios and times. This chart covers the common varieties for stovetop cooking. One cup of dry rice yields about three cups cooked.
| Rice | Rice : water | Cook time |
|---|---|---|
| White long-grain | 1 : 1.75 | 18 min |
| White medium-grain | 1 : 1.5 | 15 min |
| Basmati | 1 : 1.5 | 15 min |
| Jasmine | 1 : 1.5 | 15 min |
| Brown rice | 1 : 2.25 | 45 min |
| Wild rice | 1 : 3 | 45 to 50 min |
| Arborio (risotto) | 1 : 3 added gradually | about 20 min |
Let it rest. After the timer, keep the lid on and rest the rice off the heat for 5 to 10 minutes, then fluff — this finishes the steam and prevents mush.
FAQ
Does the rice-to-water ratio change by rice type? Yes, significantly. Long-grain white rice, short-grain rice, and brown rice all absorb water differently due to starch content and bran layer, so a single universal ratio doesn’t work well across rice types — check the ratio for the specific variety being cooked.
Dial in ratios with the Rice Water Ratio calculator in the cooking calculators.