The Ultimate Rice Cooker Water Ratio Chart (2026 Guide)
Consistency is the soul of a perfect bowl. Use this guide to master the exact measurements for every grain in your pantry.
Consistency is the soul of a perfect bowl. Use this guide to master the exact measurements for every grain in your pantry.
The Master Rice to Water Ratio Chart
| Rice Variety | Ratio (Rice:Water) | Cook Time | Chef’s Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Rice (Long Grain) | 1 : 1.5 | ~35 min | Standard fluffiness |
| White Rice (Short Grain) | 1 : 1.25 | ~38 min | Slightly stickier |
| Jasmine Rice | 1 : 1.25 | ~35 min | Reduce water to keep fragrance |
| Basmati Rice | 1 : 1.5 | ~40 min | Rinse well for separate grains |
| Brown Rice | 1 : 2.25 | ~55 min | Needs much more moisture |
| Brown Basmati | 1 : 2 | ~50 min | Slightly less than regular brown |
| Sushi Rice (Japanese) | 1 : 1.1 | ~40 min | Toughest to get right; use ‘sushi’ line |
| Wild Rice | 1 : 3 | ~60 min | Long cook, high water |
| Quinoa | 1 : 2 | ~30 min | Use ‘white rice’ setting |
| Steel Cut Oats | 1 : 3 | ~45 min | Use ‘porridge’ setting if available |
| Millet | 1 : 2 | ~25 min | Light, fluffy result |
| Mixed Grains | 1 : 1.75 | ~45 min | Average of component grains |
The “Cup” Confusion: A Critical Warning
Most rice cookers come with a measuring cup that is 180ml (a Japanese go), not the standard US cup of 240ml. This single fact causes more rice-cooking failures than anything else.
What happens when you use the wrong cup:
| Using… | Expected Result | Actual Result |
|---|---|---|
| Rice cooker cup (180ml) ✅ | Perfect rice | Perfect rice |
| US cup (240ml) ❌ | Perfect rice | Mushy, overcooked mess |
| Coffee mug (~300ml) ❌ | Perfect rice | Watery disaster |
If you lost your rice cooker cup: Don’t panic. Use any container for both rice and water, maintaining the correct ratio. The ratio is what matters, not the absolute volume.
How Ratios Change by Cooker Type
Not all rice cookers handle water the same way. The technology inside your cooker affects how much water you need:
Basic (On/Off) Cookers
These cookers heat at maximum until the water evaporates, then switch off. They’re the least forgiving with water ratios. Use the standard ratios above, or even add 10% extra water since basic cookers tend to lose more moisture through the loose-fitting lid.
MICOM (Fuzzy Logic) Cookers
Fuzzy logic cookers make real-time adjustments during cooking. They’re more forgiving with water ratios — the computer compensates for small measurement errors. Use the standard ratios above. These cookers also have graduated markings inside the pot for each grain type, which are more accurate than manual measurement.
IH (Induction Heating) Cookers
IH (induction heating) cookers heat the entire pot evenly, resulting in more efficient water absorption. You can often use 5-10% less water than standard ratios and still get excellent results. Tiger’s IH lineup and models like the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 are great examples. Check the inner pot markings for your specific model.
Pressure Cookers
Pressure cookers like the Cuckoo CRP and Zojirushi NP-NWC10 seal in moisture, so they need 10-15% less water than standard ratios. Brown rice benefits the most from pressure cooking — it comes out significantly better with less water and less time. Always follow the pressure-specific markings on the inner pot.
Altitude Adjustments
If you live above 3,000 feet (900m), water boils at a lower temperature, which means rice needs more time and slightly more water:
| Altitude | Water Adjustment | Time Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Sea level – 3,000 ft | Standard | Standard |
| 3,000 – 5,000 ft | +5% water | +5 minutes |
| 5,000 – 7,000 ft | +10% water | +8 minutes |
| Above 7,000 ft | +15% water | +12 minutes |
Most fuzzy logic cookers handle altitude automatically through their sensor adjustments, but basic cookers don’t — you’ll need to manually compensate.
5 Golden Rules for Perfect Grains
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“Always rinse.” Three times is the charm, or until the water runs clear. This removes surface starch that causes gumminess. The only exception: enriched rice (rare — check the package).
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“Let it rest.” Don’t open the lid immediately when cooking ends. Give it 10 minutes to finish steaming. This post-cook resting period allows moisture to distribute evenly throughout the rice.
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“Level it out.” Before pressing start, shake the pot gently to ensure the rice is completely flat and submerged. Uneven rice = uneven cooking.
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“Match your cup.” Always use the measuring cup that came with your cooker — it’s calibrated to the inner pot markings.
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“Start fresh.” Rice that has been open for more than 6 months absorbs less water. If your rice seems inconsistent, it might be the grain, not your technique. Store rice in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Quick Reference by Goal
| I want… | Rice Type | Ratio | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluffy, separate grains | Basmati | 1:1.5 | White rice |
| Sticky sushi rice | Short-grain Japanese | 1:1.1 | Sushi |
| Fragrant Asian-style | Jasmine | 1:1.25 | White rice |
| Healthy brown rice | Brown | 1:2.25 | Brown rice |
| Quick breakfast | Steel-cut oats | 1:3 | Porridge |
| Protein-rich grain | Quinoa | 1:2 | White rice |
| One-pot meal | Mixed grains | 1:1.75 | Mixed / Multigrain |
What to Do When It Goes Wrong
- Mushy/wet rice? Too much water. Reduce by 10% next time, and make sure you’re using the cooker cup (180ml), not a US cup.
- Hard/crunchy rice? Not enough water, or the lid was opened during cooking. Add 10% more water next time and keep the lid closed.
- Burnt bottom layer? Your cooker may be heating unevenly (common in basic models). Consider upgrading to an IH model. In the meantime, lightly oil the pot bottom before adding rice.
- Inconsistent texture? Rice wasn’t level before cooking, or the batch size was too small. Most cookers perform best at 50–75% capacity.
Related Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rice to water ratio for a rice cooker?
It depends on the grain. White long grain is 1:1.5, Jasmine is 1:1.25, Brown rice is 1:2.25, and Sushi rice is 1:1.1. Always use the cup that came with your cooker.
Is the rice cooker cup the same as a regular cup?
No. Most rice cooker cups are 180ml (a Japanese go), not the standard US cup of 240ml. If you lost your cup, stick to the ratios rather than the absolute volume.
Does the water ratio change for different rice cooker types?
Yes. Fuzzy logic and IH cookers are better at managing moisture, so you can use slightly less water than with basic cookers. Pressure cookers need even less because they seal in moisture.