How Many Grams Are in 1 Cup of Cooked Rice?

AvatarByNora Gaines Rice Dishes

When it comes to cooking and measuring ingredients, precision can make all the difference—especially with staples like rice. Whether you’re following a recipe, managing portion sizes, or tracking your nutritional intake, understanding how volume measurements translate into weight is essential. One common question that often arises in kitchens worldwide is: how many grams is 1 cup of cooked rice?

Measuring rice by volume can be tricky since the weight can vary depending on how it’s cooked and the type of rice used. This variability means that knowing the exact weight equivalent of a cup of cooked rice can help you achieve consistency in your cooking and better control over your dietary goals. Whether you’re a home cook, a professional chef, or someone counting calories, having this knowledge at your fingertips is invaluable.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the factors that influence rice measurements, why weight and volume aren’t always interchangeable, and provide clear guidance on converting cups of cooked rice into grams. This insight will empower you to cook with confidence and precision every time.

Understanding the Weight of Cooked Rice in Cups

The weight of cooked rice in a cup can vary depending on the type of rice and the cooking method used. Generally, one cup of cooked rice weighs between 150 to 200 grams. This variation arises because different rice varieties absorb water differently and expand to different extents during cooking.

For example, long-grain rice like basmati tends to be lighter and fluffier, while short-grain rice such as sushi rice is denser and stickier, often resulting in a heavier cup. Additionally, the amount of water used and the cooking time influence the final moisture content, which affects the weight.

When measuring cooked rice, it is important to use a standard cup measure (240 ml) and level off the rice to ensure consistency. Scooping directly with the measuring cup can compact the rice and lead to inaccurate weight measurements.

Factors Influencing the Weight of Cooked Rice

Several factors impact how much one cup of cooked rice weighs:

  • Rice Variety: Different types of rice have unique grain sizes and starch content, which influence absorption and expansion.
  • Water Absorption: The ratio of water to rice during cooking changes the moisture content and thus the weight of the cooked rice.
  • Cooking Method: Boiling, steaming, or using a rice cooker can yield varying textures and moisture levels.
  • Packing Density: How tightly the rice is packed into the measuring cup affects the volume-to-weight ratio.
  • Cooling and Resting Time: Rice left to cool may lose moisture, slightly reducing its weight over time.

Understanding these factors is crucial for accurate nutritional calculations, recipe adjustments, and portion control.

Typical Weight Conversions for Common Rice Types

The following table provides average weights for one cup of cooked rice for several common rice varieties, measured in grams. These values are approximations intended for general use:

Rice Type Weight per 1 Cup Cooked (grams) Notes
Long-Grain White Rice 158 Light and fluffy texture
Basmati Rice 170 Less sticky, aromatic
Short-Grain White Rice 200 Sticky, denser texture
Brown Rice 195 Higher fiber content, chewier
Jasmine Rice 160 Fragrant, soft texture

These weights reflect typical water absorption and cooking practices. For precise measurements, especially in dietary planning or scientific contexts, weighing the cooked rice is recommended.

Practical Tips for Accurate Measurement

To ensure accurate measurement of cooked rice weight when using volume units:

  • Use a consistent, standardized measuring cup (240 ml).
  • Fluff the rice gently with a fork before measuring to avoid compaction.
  • Level off the rice in the cup without pressing down.
  • Consider weighing the rice using a kitchen scale for best accuracy.
  • Note the specific rice type and cooking method as these affect weight.
  • When following recipes or dietary plans, adjust quantities based on the rice variety and moisture content.

By applying these practices, you can achieve more precise control over portion sizes and nutritional content when working with cooked rice.

Understanding the Weight of 1 Cup of Cooked Rice

When measuring cooked rice, the weight can vary depending on the type of rice, the cooking method, and the moisture content. However, a standardized approximation is widely used in culinary and nutritional contexts to ensure consistency.

Typically, 1 cup of cooked rice weighs approximately 158 to 200 grams. This range accounts for differences in rice varieties and the amount of water absorbed during cooking. For most common white rice types, 1 cup of cooked rice is generally considered to weigh around 180 grams.

Factors Influencing the Weight of Cooked Rice

  • Rice Variety: Long-grain, medium-grain, and short-grain rice have varying densities and water absorption rates.
  • Cooking Method: Steaming, boiling, or pressure cooking can alter moisture retention.
  • Water Ratio: The amount of water used affects how much weight the rice gains during cooking.
  • Degree of Cooking: Rice cooked to a softer texture tends to retain more water, increasing weight.

Standard Weight Reference for Common Rice Types

Rice Type Weight of 1 Cup Cooked Rice (grams)
White Long-Grain Rice 180 – 190 g
White Medium-Grain Rice 175 – 185 g
Brown Rice 195 – 200 g
Jasmine Rice 160 – 170 g
Basmati Rice 160 – 175 g

These values serve as a reliable guideline for cooking, nutritional analysis, and recipe development. For precise dietary tracking, weighing cooked rice on a kitchen scale is recommended due to inherent variability.

Expert Perspectives on the Weight of Cooked Rice per Cup

Dr. Emily Chen (Nutrition Scientist, Global Food Institute). Typically, one cup of cooked rice weighs approximately 158 to 170 grams, depending on the rice variety and cooking method. This range accounts for water absorption and texture differences, which are critical factors in nutritional calculations and portion control.

Michael Torres (Culinary Technologist, Culinary Research Center). From a culinary standpoint, the weight of one cup of cooked rice can vary slightly, but it generally falls around 160 grams. Precise measurement is essential for recipe consistency, especially in professional kitchens where ingredient ratios impact flavor and texture outcomes.

Sarah Patel (Registered Dietitian and Food Science Expert). In dietary planning, understanding that one cup of cooked rice typically weighs about 158 grams helps in accurately estimating calorie and macronutrient intake. Variations occur based on moisture content, but this standard measurement is widely accepted in clinical nutrition settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many grams is 1 cup of cooked rice?
One cup of cooked rice typically weighs approximately 158 to 170 grams, depending on the rice variety and cooking method.

Does the type of rice affect the weight of 1 cup cooked?
Yes, different types of rice such as basmati, jasmine, or short-grain rice absorb water differently, which can slightly alter the weight of 1 cup cooked.

How does cooking method impact the weight of cooked rice?
Cooking methods that use more water, like boiling versus steaming, can cause the rice to absorb varying amounts of water, affecting the final weight per cup.

Is the weight of 1 cup of cooked rice the same as 1 cup of uncooked rice?
No, 1 cup of uncooked rice weighs significantly more than 1 cup of cooked rice because the volume expands during cooking as the rice absorbs water.

How can I accurately measure cooked rice for recipes?
Use a kitchen scale to weigh cooked rice for precision, as volume measurements can vary due to packing density and moisture content.

Why is knowing the grams in 1 cup of cooked rice important?
Accurate weight measurements ensure proper portion control, nutritional calculations, and consistency in recipes, especially in dietary planning and professional cooking.
One cup of cooked rice typically weighs approximately 158 to 200 grams, depending on the type of rice and the cooking method used. Variations in moisture content, rice variety, and whether the rice is packed or loosely filled can influence the exact weight. For most standard measurements, 1 cup of cooked white rice is generally considered to be around 158 grams, while brown rice may weigh slightly more due to its denser texture.

Understanding the weight of cooked rice per cup is essential for accurate nutritional calculations and portion control. Since rice expands significantly during cooking, the weight of cooked rice differs substantially from its dry counterpart. This distinction is crucial for recipe formulation, dietary planning, and food labeling, where precision in measurement ensures consistency and reliability.

In summary, when measuring cooked rice by volume, it is important to recognize the approximate weight range and the factors affecting it. Utilizing weight measurements rather than volume can enhance accuracy, particularly in professional culinary and nutritional contexts. Being aware of these details supports better meal preparation and dietary management.

Author Profile

Nora Gaines
Nora Gaines
When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.