Use about 1/4 cup dry rice per person for a side dish and 1/3 to 1/2 cup dry rice per person for bowls, fried rice, or a main dish. Most plain white rice roughly triples after cooking, but the exact yield changes with rice type, water ratio, and cooking method.
Rice Amount Chart
| Servings | Side dish dry rice | Main dish dry rice | Approximate cooked rice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 1/4 cup | 1/3 to 1/2 cup | About 3/4 to 1 1/2 cups |
| 2 people | 1/2 cup | 2/3 to 1 cup | About 1 1/2 to 3 cups |
| 4 people | 1 cup | 1 1/3 to 2 cups | About 3 to 6 cups |
| 6 people | 1 1/2 cups | 2 to 3 cups | About 4 1/2 to 9 cups |
Side Dish vs Main Dish
Use the smaller amount when rice is only one part of the meal, such as alongside meat, vegetables, beans, curry, or soup. Use the larger amount when rice is the base of the meal, such as burrito bowls, rice bowls, fried rice, risotto-style dishes, or meals where leftovers are wanted.
Adjust for Rice Type and Appetite
- Long-grain white rice: often gives the most predictable fluffy yield.
- Brown rice: takes longer and may feel more filling, so start on the lower side for a side dish.
- Sticky or short-grain rice: can feel denser in the bowl, so avoid overcooking a large batch unless you need leftovers.
- Hungry eaters or meal prep: add 1/4 to 1/2 cup extra dry rice to the pot.
Leftover Rice Safety
Cool cooked rice promptly, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours, and use refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days. Reheat rice until hot and steaming, and discard rice that sat out too long or smells off.
FAQ
How much dry rice should I cook per person?
Use about 1/4 cup dry rice per person for a side dish and 1/3 to 1/2 cup dry rice per person for a main dish or rice bowl.
How much cooked rice is one serving?
A common meal portion is about 1/2 to 1 cup cooked rice as a side dish, or 1 to 1 1/2 cups cooked rice when rice is the base of the meal.
Does 1 cup of dry rice make 3 cups cooked?
Often, yes, especially for plain white rice. The yield can be lower or higher depending on rice type, water ratio, soaking, and cooking method.
How much rice do I need for 4 people?
For a side dish, cook about 1 cup dry rice. For a main dish or bowls, cook about 1 1/3 to 2 cups dry rice, depending on appetite and leftovers.
How long can cooked rice stay in the fridge?
Use refrigerated cooked rice within 3 to 4 days. Put it in shallow containers and refrigerate it within 2 hours after cooking.