How many grams is 2 serves of rice? A complete guide to portion sizes

December 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Proper portion control is vital for a healthy diet, and for rice, this depends on whether it's uncooked or cooked, as well as its purpose in the meal. So, how many grams is 2 serves of rice? A typical side portion for two people can be as low as 90 grams of uncooked rice, while a main course portion could require up to 180 grams uncooked.

Quick Summary

The gram weight for 2 serves of rice varies depending on whether it's uncooked or cooked, and if it's a side dish or main. Expect uncooked rice to roughly double or triple in weight when cooked due to water absorption.

Key Points

Uncooked vs. Cooked: The weight of rice changes significantly during cooking; uncooked rice roughly doubles or triples in weight once cooked.
Side Dish Portion: For two side servings, use 90–120 grams of uncooked rice, which yields approximately 180–240 grams of cooked rice.
Main Dish Portion: For two main course servings, prepare 150–180 grams of uncooked rice, resulting in about 300–400 grams cooked.
Measurement Accuracy: A kitchen scale provides the most precise measurement in grams, but cup conversions are a practical alternative for a rough estimate.
Rice Variety: Different types of rice, such as basmati, jasmine, or brown rice, have slightly different water absorption rates and densities that can affect the final cooked weight.
Consider Appetite: Adjust portions based on individual dietary needs and appetites. Larger appetites or specific dietary plans may require variations from the standard guidelines.

Uncooked vs. Cooked: The Gram Difference

The most significant factor in calculating how many grams is 2 serves of rice is understanding the transformation from uncooked to cooked. Rice grains absorb a considerable amount of water during cooking, causing them to increase in both volume and weight. This is why a small amount of uncooked rice can produce a surprisingly large final volume. Typically, uncooked rice will increase its weight by a factor of two or three when cooked. For instance, 90 grams of uncooked rice can yield up to 300 grams of cooked rice, depending on the variety and cooking method.

Standard Serving Guidelines

The quantity of rice needed for two servings depends on whether it's the main carbohydrate component or a side dish. Here are some standard guidelines:

Side Dish (Two Servings): For a side dish accompanying a main protein and vegetables, a common recommendation is 45-60 grams of uncooked rice per person. This means you would need between 90 and 120 grams of uncooked rice for two servings. After cooking, this would yield approximately 180 to 240 grams of cooked rice.
Main Course (Two Servings): If rice is the centerpiece of the meal, such as in a risotto, paella, or a burrito bowl, a more generous portion is appropriate. Recommendations range from 75 to 90 grams of uncooked rice per person. For two people, this translates to 150 to 180 grams of uncooked rice, which would produce between 300 and 400 grams of cooked rice.

Factors Influencing Your Rice Portion

Beyond just uncooked versus cooked, several other variables play a role in determining the perfect portion size.

Type of Rice

Not all rice varieties behave the same way. Different grain sizes and starch contents affect the final cooked weight and texture. For example, long-grain rice tends to remain fluffy with individual grains, while short-grain rice, used for sushi or risotto, is stickier and more compact. The absorption rate can also differ slightly, altering the final cooked weight. Some guides suggest a slightly smaller uncooked portion for basmati and jasmine rice, as they are fluffy and more aromatic, while brown rice might require slightly more per person.

Appetite and Dietary Needs

Individual appetite is a major consideration. For those with larger appetites, or for a particularly hungry group, it's wise to lean towards the higher end of the recommended portion range. Conversely, for people on a low-carbohydrate diet, a smaller portion may be more suitable. A balanced meal with plenty of vegetables and protein can also reduce the amount of rice needed to feel full.

Measuring Techniques

Using a kitchen scale is the most accurate method for measuring rice in grams. However, for those without one, using cup measurements is a common alternative. Bear in mind that the gram-to-cup conversion for uncooked rice can vary. A half-cup of uncooked rice is often cited as a single serving, which equates to roughly 90 grams. For two servings, this would be one full cup of uncooked rice. While less precise, this method is effective for quick meal preparation.

A Simple Comparison of Two Rice Servings


Type of Serving	Uncooked Rice (grams)	Uncooked Rice (cups)	Cooked Rice (grams, approx.)	Cooked Rice (cups, approx.)
Side Dish (for 2)	90–120g	½ to ⅔ cup	180–240g	1.5 to 2 cups
Main Dish (for 2)	150–180g	¾ to 1 cup	300–400g	2.5 to 3 cups

Practical Tips for Cooking Two Servings of Rice

Rinsing: For most long-grain varieties like basmati, rinsing the rice until the water runs clear removes excess starch, preventing the grains from clumping together.
Water Ratio: A general rule is a 1:2 ratio of uncooked rice to water, but this can vary. For two servings (about 1 cup of uncooked rice), use approximately 2 cups of water.
Resting Time: After cooking, let the rice stand covered for a few minutes. This allows the remaining steam to finish cooking the grains and helps them become fluffier.
Fluffing: Use a fork to gently fluff the rice after resting. This separates the grains and gives it a lighter texture.

For more detailed cooking instructions, explore this reliable guide: How to Cook Each Type of Rice Correctly.

Conclusion

Determining how many grams is 2 serves of rice isn't a single, fixed number but rather a calculation based on whether the rice is uncooked or cooked and its role in the meal. For a side dish for two, aim for 90 to 120 grams of uncooked rice, yielding roughly 180 to 240 grams cooked. For a main dish, increase this to 150 to 180 grams uncooked, which will produce 300 to 400 grams cooked. Using a kitchen scale is the most accurate method, but cup measurements are a convenient alternative. By considering these factors, you can confidently prepare the perfect amount of rice, avoiding waste and ensuring a delicious, balanced meal for two.

Frequently Asked Questions

For two side servings, you should use approximately 90–120 grams of uncooked rice. This is based on a standard recommendation of 45-60 grams per person.

Two servings of cooked rice for a main meal, such as a risotto, is typically between 300 and 400 grams. This is the result of cooking about 150–180 grams of uncooked rice.

For brown rice, some guides suggest a slightly higher uncooked portion for a side dish compared to white rice, while cooked portions can be similar. For a main dish, brown rice may require a bit less for a similar calorie intake due to its higher fiber content.

Uncooked rice weighs less than cooked rice because it absorbs a significant amount of water during the cooking process. A common rule of thumb is that uncooked rice will roughly double or triple in weight when cooked.

You can use a measuring cup. A standard uncooked serving is about ½ cup (around 90g), so for two servings, you would use one cup of uncooked rice. This is an approximation and can vary.

A good starting point for most types of rice is a 1:2 ratio of rice to water. For two servings (one cup uncooked rice), use approximately two cups of water. This ratio might need slight adjustments depending on the rice variety.

Two servings of cooked rice typically amount to about 1.5 to 3 cups, depending on whether it's a side dish or main course. For a side, expect around 1.5–2 cups, and for a main, closer to 2.5–3 cups.