Rice roughly triples in volume as it absorbs water during cooking — a commonly cited kitchen approximation useful for portion planning.
How it works
The uncooked amount is multiplied by a type-specific expansion ratio — about 3x for white rice, or 2.5x for brown rice, which expands somewhat less.
What this does not include
This does not include every rice variety — ratios can vary somewhat by specific rice type and cooking method; these are commonly cited approximations, not exact figures for every product.
How to use this calculator
- Select the rice type and enter the uncooked amount.
Frequently asked questions
Why does rice expand when cooked?
Rice grains absorb water during cooking, causing the starch to swell and the grain to grow substantially in size and volume.
Why does brown rice expand less than white rice?
Brown rice retains its bran layer, which absorbs water more slowly and to a lesser degree than the polished white rice grain.
What’s this most useful for?
Portion planning for meal prep or recipes, converting a package’s uncooked serving size into the actual cooked amount you’ll end up with.
