Understanding How Many Calories Are in 60g of Dry Rice

December 11, 2025 •

3 min read

A 60g portion of long-grain dry white rice contains approximately 219 calories, while the same amount of dry brown rice holds about 222 calories. This small variance highlights the nutritional differences between rice varieties, even for the same weight measure. Understanding how many calories are in 60g of dry rice is crucial for portion control and effective meal planning, helping you stay on track with your dietary goals.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 60g of dry rice varies by type, with white rice containing around 219 calories and brown rice slightly more due to its higher fiber content. Cooking does not alter the total calories of the rice itself, but it significantly increases its weight due to water absorption.

Key Points

White Rice Calories: 60g of dry white rice contains roughly 219 calories, primarily from carbohydrates.
Brown Rice Calories: 60g of dry brown rice contains about 222 calories, offering slightly more fiber and nutrients.
Cooking Process: The calorie content of rice does not change when cooked, but the weight increases significantly due to water absorption.
Accurate Measurement: For precise calorie tracking, it is best to measure the rice in its dry state before cooking.
Nutrient Density: Brown rice, a whole grain, provides more fiber and nutrients than refined white rice, contributing to fullness.
Variety Matters: Slight calorie differences exist among different rice varieties, such as white, brown, and basmati, even at the same dry weight.
Portion Size: 60g of dry rice is a standard, healthy portion size for a side dish.

Calories in 60g of Dry Rice: A Detailed Breakdown

When counting calories, understanding the distinction between dry and cooked rice is essential. The calorie value is concentrated in the dry grain before it absorbs water and expands. While 60g might seem like a small amount, it is a typical serving size for a side dish and provides a substantial number of carbohydrates for energy. Let's delve into the specifics for popular rice types.

White Rice: The Standard Calorie Count

For most standard long-grain white rice, a 60g dry serving is a reliable benchmark. According to nutritional data from sources like Eat This Much, 60 grams of raw, enriched, long-grain white rice contains approximately 219 calories. The vast majority of these calories come from carbohydrates, which provide the body with a ready source of energy.

Nutritional breakdown for 60g dry white rice:

Calories: 219
Carbohydrates: ~48g
Protein: ~4g
Fat: ~0.4g
Fiber: ~1g

Brown Rice: A Slightly Higher Calorie and Nutrient Density

Because brown rice retains its bran and germ layers, it has a slightly different nutritional profile compared to white rice. These layers contain additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This also means that 60g of dry brown rice has a marginally higher calorie count.

Nutritional breakdown for 60g dry brown rice:

Calories: 222
Carbohydrates: ~46g
Protein: ~5g
Fat: ~2g
Fiber: ~2g

The difference is minimal in terms of total calories, but the higher fiber and nutrient content make brown rice a more nutrient-dense option, promoting feelings of fullness and aiding digestion.

How Cooking Affects the Calorie Density

It's a common point of confusion: does cooked rice have the same calories as dry rice? The total calorie count remains the same, but the density changes dramatically. When you cook rice, it absorbs water, causing its weight and volume to increase significantly. For example, 60g of dry white rice might yield around 150-180g of cooked rice, depending on the cooking method and rice type. The total 219 calories are now distributed across a much heavier, more voluminous portion.

This is why measuring portions in their dry, uncooked state is essential for accurate calorie tracking. If you measure your rice after cooking, you must use a different calorie reference or adjust for the water content. The extra weight from water adds zero calories.

Rice Calorie Comparison Table


Rice Type	Dry Weight (60g)	Approx. Calories	Approx. Carbohydrates	Approx. Protein	Approx. Fiber	Notes
White Rice (Long-Grain)	60g	219 kcal	48g	4g	1g	Standard energy source, lower fiber.
Brown Rice (Long-Grain)	60g	222 kcal	46g	5g	2g	Whole grain, higher fiber and nutrients.
Basmati Rice	60g	211-214 kcal	46.6-47g	4.7g	0.6g	Aromatic, slightly lower calories.

Factors That Influence Calorie Count

While the figures for plain, dry rice are quite consistent, certain factors can slightly alter the final calorie count of a meal:

Cooking method: The way you prepare your rice matters. If you cook it with oil or butter, you will add extra calories and fat to your meal. The figures above are for rice cooked in water only.
Variety of rice: As shown in the comparison table, different types of rice have slightly different calorie densities and macronutrient profiles. Basmati and jasmine are often slightly lower in calories per gram than standard white rice.
Enrichment: Enriched white rice has added vitamins and minerals, which does not significantly impact the calorie count but does affect its overall nutritional value.

Conclusion

In summary, 60g of dry rice contains between 211 and 222 calories, depending on the variety, with brown rice having a marginally higher count than white rice. The key takeaway is that the calorie count is locked in when the rice is dry. The cooking process simply adds water, which increases the weight and volume but does not add extra calories. By measuring your rice before cooking, you can ensure accurate portion control and stay mindful of your total calorie intake. Remember that the choice between white and brown rice depends on your personal health goals, with brown rice offering more fiber and nutrients for a slightly higher energy value. For more comprehensive nutrient information, you can consult databases like the one at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, cooking rice does not add calories. The uncooked rice contains all the calories, and the cooking process simply involves adding water, which has zero calories. The cooked rice only weighs more because it has absorbed the water.

Yes, 60g of dry rice is considered a standard portion size, typically for a single serving as a side dish. This amount yields approximately 150-180g of cooked rice.

Brown rice has slightly more calories because it is a whole grain and retains its bran and germ layers. These layers contain additional nutrients, including fats and fiber, which contribute to the slightly higher calorie count compared to refined white rice.

The total calories are the same, but the weight is different. 60g of dry white rice is about 219 calories, whereas 60g of cooked white rice is only about 78 calories, since the cooked weight includes absorbed water.

A 60g serving of dry long-grain white rice contains about 48g of carbohydrates, while 60g of dry brown rice contains approximately 46g of carbohydrates.

Adding oil or butter will increase the calorie count. For accurate tracking, it is important to include these added fats in your total calculation. For example, a tablespoon of butter can add over 100 calories.

The most accurate way to measure 60g of dry rice is by using a digital food scale. This eliminates the inaccuracies that can occur with volume-based measurements, such as using measuring cups.