How Big Is a Cup of Rice?

Measuring a cup of rice can be confusing since everyone uses different types of rice, techniques, and quantities. Some people like to pack one cup by compressing the rice in the cup while others would take a “loose” cup – both scenarios will result in different quantities of rice when you weigh them.

How big is a cup of rice? A cup of rice is equal to 8fl oz or 240 milligrams which usually weighs around 200 grams. Some people might even go with 250 milligrams of rice for a cup. The type of rice you use will also impact the measurement like when using short-grain or long-grain rice.

Read below to learn more about the right way to measure a cup of rice, the types of rice, and how much cooked rice you can yield from a cup of uncooked rice!

Types of Rice 

Rice is a staple in many regions around the world and is widely consumed in numerous dishes. There are many types of rice but most of them have more or less the same characteristics.

The most commonly consumed variety, white rice, is made by processing the rice kernel to remove the hull and bran which leaves just the white rice. The leftover kernels are then processed in a machine that “polishes” them giving them their distinct pearly white appearance.

Uncooked white rice is compact, very firm, and requires hydration and heat to cook. When you add rice to hot water, the heat expands and renders the rice which makes it soft and fluffy. 

Rice can be broadly categorized into two categories:

1. Long Grain
2. Short Grain

Long-grain rice, as the name suggests, is a type of elongated rice that can be used in several recipes and can also be enjoyed on its own. Long-grain rice is extremely common in Asia and can be found in abundance in the Asian subcontinent. 

Short-grain rice is popular in North America, Europe, and other neighboring regions. When cooked, they take on a shorter and more rounded appearance which can be used in the same way as long-grain rice.

Here are some of the most common types of rice:

Arborio Rice

If you have ever tried risotto then you may already be familiar with this type of rice! Arborio rice is a short-grain rice known for its starchiness. This rice is slightly flatter and more rounded and can become quite creamy and sticky when it is cooked properly. 

It offers an excellent mouthfeel that can complement any meat, vegetarian, or even broth-based recipes! These rice are small therefore, you may have to adjust their per-cup quantity when measuring them.

Jasmine Rice

Popularly used in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, jasmine rice is a long-grain rice that is known for its amazing fragrance and delicate texture. Unlike arborio rice, jasmine rice does not stick together and usually produces separated grains. 

The balanced mouthfeel and appearance of jasmine rice make it a fantastic substitute for other types of long-grain rice as well. Most recipes call for a full cup of this rice since it has longer grains!

Brown Rice

Brown rice is a type of whole-grain rice that isn’t processed. This means that the hull and bran layers are left intact which gives them a browner appearance. Since they are unprocessed, they also provide an overall better nutritional profile.

Many people erroneously believe that brown rice is made from just one type of rice, but in reality, any type of rice can be “brown rice” if they are left unprocessed – this is why you can find brown rice in both long grain and short grain varieties.

Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is a hugely popular long-grain rice that is consumed in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine. It is similar to jasmine rice but is slightly slender and longer. They are the default choice for numerous dishes in the region and can be found in almost every household. 

Cooked basmati rice has a very balanced appearance where they are neither too sticky nor too dry! This rice can also soak up flavors quite well and is famously used in broth-based recipes like pilaf and even stir-fries. 

Measuring Rice – The Right Way

The best way to measure rice is to find the right cup size. Check the handle or the bottom of the measuring cup that you have at home, you will notice a marking on them which reads the size of the cup in grams or milliliters. 

In North America, the average cup size is 240 milligrams which equates to about 8fl oz. In other regions, you may find a cup size that holds 250 milligrams of rice – both quantities aren’t that different but can make a small difference when the rice cook. 

Interestingly, in Japan, a cup of rice is measured at around 180 milliliters. This also happens to be the standard cup size according to the rice industry standards. 

The Japanese measuring cup is called a “gō” which accounts for the volume of uncooked rice. A 180-milliliter cup is usually used so that you get exactly equal cup sizes of cooked rice – but we recommend that you stick with the recipe requirements for the best results!

As we have already discussed, rice expands as it cooks and hydrates. This is why a cup of uncooked rice usually produces up to 3 cups of cooked rice! So, even a 20-40 milligram difference may make more of a difference when you cook the rice. 

Don’t worry, there is an easy way to get exact measurements! There are mainly two ways to go about this:

1. Measuring a packed cup
2. Measuring a loose cup

Packed Cup of Rice 

The correct way to measure rice is to scoop out exactly one cup of rice. Don’t worry if you create a tall heap that goes above the rim of the cup. The goal here is to shave off the excess rice and pack the rice using your palm.

When you do this, the rice compress and the space between them is filled evenly. This allows you to get an exact measurement of just one cup – but there is another important factor to keep in mind: the type and size of the rice grains.

Long-grain and short-grain rice can produce different results. For example, long-grain rice takes up more space due to its size. So, even if you pack them, the cup won’t be as dense when measuring small-grain rice. 

An easy way to solve this problem is by going with the weight of the rice. Most recipes usually provide precise measuring instructions in grams which means that you can weigh out the rice using a kitchen weighing scale. 

To do this, put the empty cup on the measuring scale and then reset the values. Look for a button that reads “tare” on the weighing machine. This will reset the weight and adjust for the size of the empty cup.

Then simply add the rice to the cup and measure it according to the recipe! You can also add the weight of the cup from the total measurement of a filled cup to get the same result. 

For example, if the empty cup weighs 10 grams and the recipe calls for 240 grams of uncooked rice then you should add the rice until the weighing machine reads 250 grams. 

The compression and weigh method are the default choice for measuring any type of rice and can provide you with an easy way to get exact quantities as per the recipe. 

Measuring a Loose Cup

Measuring a loose cup is for people who don’t want to get into specifics. Although there is bound to be some discrepancy using this method, it is usually the go-to for people who just want to quickly measure any type of rice.

To measure a loose cup, simply scoop out a full cup of rice and then shave off the excess rice from the top by sliding your finger across the top of the cup. This will give you an approximate measurement and although the final result may vary, you will still be able to make delicious meals!

A great way of getting a near-exact measurement as the packed cup method would be to lightly shake the cup or to nudge it. This motion will flatten out the rice and you can then fill the cup with more rice as needed. Just remember to shave off any rice that goes above the height of the cup!

Related Questions 

How Much Water Does Rice Require?

Most types of rice require double the amount of water. Use a 2:1 ratio where you would use 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. 

This method usually works for most types of rice but for the best results, we recommend that you check the back of the packaging of the type of rice you want to cook with to get the exact water requirements. 

How Much Does a Cup of Rice Serve?

Depending on the type of rice, you should get around 2-3 cups of cooked rice for every cup of uncooked rice. 2-3 cups of serving size may be enough for 2-3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. Portion sizes may vary depending on multiple factors so you should cook as per the typical serving size in your household.