Measuring cooked rice by weight can be confusing because rice absorbs water and expands during cooking. This changes the density, texture, and final weight. Whether you meal-prep, track calories, or follow recipes from different countries, knowing the exact grams in a cup of cooked rice helps you get accurate and consistent results.
This guide gives you the full breakdown for all rice types, conversions, portion sizes, and practical tips.
📌 Quick Summary: 1 Cup Cooked Rice in Grams
| Type of Cooked Rice | Grams per 1 Cup |
|---|---|
| White rice | 180–200g |
| Brown rice | 195–215g |
| Jasmine rice | 180–190g |
| Basmati rice | 170–185g |
| Short-grain rice | 200–220g |
| Sushi rice | 210–230g |
| Sticky rice | 200–220g |
➡️ Average: 1 cup cooked rice ≈ 185–200 grams
This varies based on water absorption, grain length, and cooking method.
Why the Weight Changes When Rice Is Cooked
Rice is a dry grain that expands when heated in water. The starch absorbs liquid, becomes softer, and increases in size and weight.
Here’s why cooked rice is heavier:
1. Water Absorption Levels Differ
- Long-grain rice absorbs less water → lighter cooked weight
- Short-grain rice absorbs more water → heavier cooked weight
2. Cooking Method Changes Density
Boiling, steaming, or pressure cooking all create different water absorption rates.
3. Rinsing Affects Final Weight
Rinsed rice absorbs slightly more water while cooking.
4. Fluffing vs Pressing
A packed cup weighs more than a loosely scooped cup.
📏 Exact Conversion: Cooked Rice Weight by Cup Size
White Rice (Cooked)
| Amount | Grams |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | 45–50g |
| 1/2 cup | 90–100g |
| 1 cup | 180–200g |
| 2 cups | 360–400g |
Brown Rice (Cooked)
| Amount | Grams |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | 48–55g |
| 1/2 cup | 95–105g |
| 1 cup | 195–215g |
| 2 cups | 390–430g |
Jasmine Rice (Cooked)
| Amount | Grams |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | 180–190g |
Basmati Rice (Cooked)
| Amount | Grams |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | 170–185g |
Cooked Rice vs Uncooked Rice: Full Conversion Guide
Rice expands 2.5x to 3x after cooking.
Standard Expansion Rule
1 cup uncooked rice → 3 cups cooked rice
| Uncooked | Cooked |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | 3/4 cup cooked |
| 1/2 cup | 1.5 cups cooked |
| 1 cup | 3 cups cooked |
| 2 cups | 6 cups cooked |
Uncooked Rice Weight → Cooked Weight
| Uncooked Rice Weight | Cooked Weight |
|---|---|
| 50g | 130–150g |
| 100g | 260–300g |
| 185g (1 cup) | 520–560g |
Portion Guide: How Much Cooked Rice Per Person?
- Light meal / side dish: 1/2 cup (100g)
- Normal serving: 3/4–1 cup (140–180g)
- Main dish or big appetite: 1–1.5 cups (180–250g)
- Athletes / heavy eaters: 2 cups (350–400g)
This helps with meal planning and calorie control.
Calories in 1 Cup of Cooked Rice
| Type | Calories per 1 Cup Cooked |
|---|---|
| White rice | ~200 calories |
| Brown rice | ~215 calories |
| Jasmine rice | ~205 calories |
| Basmati rice | ~190 calories |
Brown rice is heavier and denser, so it has slightly more calories.
Factors That Change the Weight of Cooked Rice
1. Amount of Water
More water = softer, heavier rice
Less water = firmer, lighter rice
2. Grain Length
- Long-grain → fluffier, lighter
- Short-grain → stickier, heavier
3. Cooking Time
Overcooked rice absorbs more water → bigger weight
4. Draining and Resting
Drained rice weighs less than steamed rice.
5. Measuring Method
A packed cup vs a loose cup can change the result by 20–40g.
How to Measure Cooked Rice Accurately
Method 1: Using Cups (Quick)
- Scoop rice lightly
- Level it with the back of a knife
- Don’t press it down
Method 2: Using a Scale (Most Accurate)
1 cup cooked rice = 180–200 grams
Place the cooked rice in a bowl and weigh it.
Method 3: Meal Prep Method
Cook a big batch → weigh total cooked amount → divide into equal portions.
Common Questions
1. Why does 1 cup cooked rice not equal 1 cup uncooked rice?
Uncooked rice is light and dry. When cooked, it absorbs water and becomes heavier and bigger. That’s why the volume and grams change completely.
2. Is brown rice heavier than white rice after cooking?
Yes. Brown rice has bran layers that absorb more water, making it heavier per cup.
3. How many grams in 1 cup of sticky or sushi rice?
Sticky rice absorbs more water and becomes dense, so 1 cup is usually 200–230 grams, which is heavier than white rice.
4. Why do calorie counts use cups instead of grams?
Cups are easy for home cooks, but grams give more accurate measurements. Many nutrition apps list both.
5. How much rice should I cook for 1 person?
Use 1/3 cup uncooked rice per person → becomes about 1 cup cooked.
Final Clear Answer
⭐ 1 cup of cooked rice weighs about 180–200 grams on average.
This can change depending on the rice type, cooking method, and water absorption.
