How many ounces are in 1 cup of cooked rice?

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USA Rice Federation, one cup of cooked rice weighs approximately 8 ounces. This is a key fact for home cooks and nutritionists who need accurate measurements for recipes and calorie counting, as the weight of rice changes significantly during the cooking process when it absorbs water.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an in-depth look at the weight of 1 cup of cooked rice, exploring how different rice types can affect the final ounces. Learn the best methods for precise measurements and understand why weight is a more consistent metric than volume for cooking.

Key Points

Standard Weight: One cup of cooked rice typically weighs around 8 ounces, according to the USA Rice Federation.
Cooked vs. Uncooked: Cooked rice weighs more per cup than uncooked rice because it absorbs a significant amount of water during the cooking process.
Precision with a Scale: For the most accurate measurement, especially for nutrition tracking, use a kitchen scale instead of a measuring cup.
Rice Type Matters: The specific variety of rice (e.g., long-grain vs. short-grain) can cause slight variations in the final weight and volume per cup.
Portion Control: A standard dietary serving size for cooked rice is often a half-cup, weighing approximately 3.5 to 4.2 ounces.
Volume Inconsistency: Measuring cups can be inconsistent because the volume can be affected by how tightly or loosely the rice is packed.

Understanding Rice Volume and Weight

When it comes to cooking and portion control, understanding the difference between volume and weight is crucial, especially for ingredients like rice. Volume is a measure of space, typically using a measuring cup, while weight is a measure of mass, determined with a kitchen scale. The main reason for the discrepancy between uncooked and cooked rice measurements is the absorption of water during cooking. A single cup of dry rice can absorb up to three times its volume in water, drastically changing its weight and volume.

Factors That Influence the Weight of Cooked Rice

While a standard cup of cooked rice is often cited as 8 ounces, several factors can cause this to fluctuate:

Type of rice: Different varieties of rice, such as short-grain, medium-grain, and long-grain, absorb water differently. Short-grain rice, like sushi rice, tends to be sticker and denser, potentially weighing slightly more per cup than fluffier, longer-grain varieties.
Cooking method: The amount of water and cooking time used can impact the final weight. For instance, rice cooked in a pressure cooker with a specific water ratio may yield a different weight per cup than rice cooked on the stovetop, where evaporation can be a factor.
Consistency: The fluffiness or stickiness of the cooked rice will affect how it packs into a measuring cup, influencing the final volume and, by extension, the weight measured in ounces. For the most accurate measurement, a kitchen scale is always the best tool.

Comparison of Rice Measurements: Volume vs. Weight

For precision in cooking, particularly for nutrition tracking, a kitchen scale is the most reliable tool. Unlike a measuring cup, which can be inconsistent depending on how loosely or tightly the rice is packed, a scale provides an exact weight. This table highlights why weight-based measurements are often superior.


Measurement Method	Pros	Cons	Best For
Volume (Measuring Cup)	Quick and convenient for rough estimation; no special equipment required.	Inaccurate due to variations in how rice is packed; less consistent results.	Everyday home cooking where precision is not critical.
Weight (Kitchen Scale)	Highly accurate and consistent regardless of rice type or consistency; ideal for nutritional tracking.	Requires a kitchen scale; can be slightly slower than using a cup.	Precise baking, dieting, meal prepping, and developing recipes.

Tips for Accurate Rice Measurement

To ensure you are getting the correct amount of rice, follow these simple tips:

Use a kitchen scale: For the most reliable measurement, weigh your cooked rice on a digital kitchen scale. This eliminates the guesswork associated with volume measurements.
Measure after cooking: When tracking nutrition, measure the rice after it is cooked. The calorie count and nutrients are calculated based on the raw weight, but the cooked weight and volume are what you actually consume.
Consider the type of rice: Be mindful that different types of rice will have slightly different final weights and textures. If you switch from white to brown rice, be aware that the final volume and weight might change.
Level your measuring cup: If using a measuring cup for volume, use a spoon to fill it gently and level the top with a straight edge to avoid over-packing. This provides a more consistent volume measurement.
Account for water: Remember that the final cooked weight is significantly influenced by the absorbed water. Measuring cooked rice by weight provides a more stable metric than volume. For example, 1 cup of uncooked rice yields around 3 cups of cooked rice, a substantial change in volume but not in raw nutritional value.

The Role of Water in Rice Weight

When rice is cooked, the grains absorb water, causing them to swell and become heavier. The ratio of water to uncooked rice typically ranges from 1:1.5 to 1:3, depending on the type and desired consistency. It is this absorption that causes the uncooked rice's weight of approximately 7 ounces per cup to increase to the cooked rice's weight of about 8 ounces per cup. Some sources show a higher variance, with some cooked rice potentially weighing more, but 8 ounces is a reliable general estimate for many standard preparations.

What a Standard Serving Looks Like

While a standard cup of cooked rice weighs approximately 8 ounces, a typical serving size is often smaller. Many dietary guidelines consider a half-cup cooked rice serving, weighing around 3.5 to 4.2 ounces, to be a standard portion. This is especially relevant for those managing caloric intake, as it provides a practical benchmark for portion control.

Conclusion: Precision is Key for Cooking and Nutrition

While a rough estimate of 8 ounces per 1 cup of cooked rice is useful for general cooking, achieving maximum accuracy, whether for a recipe or for dietary tracking, requires a kitchen scale. The significant changes in weight and volume that occur during cooking mean that a weight-based measurement is superior for consistency and precision. Understanding these nuances helps cooks achieve better results and empowers individuals to make more informed choices about their nutritional intake.

For more information on the yields of different types of rice, the USA Rice Federation is an excellent resource. Their website provides comprehensive guidelines that can help you with all your rice-related cooking needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

To get the most accurate weight, use a digital kitchen scale and weigh the cooked rice. Volume measurements can be inconsistent depending on how tightly or loosely the rice is packed into the measuring cup.

Yes, different types of rice absorb water differently, which can cause slight variations in the final weight. For example, stickier short-grain rice might weigh slightly more per cup than fluffy long-grain rice.

No, 1 cup of uncooked rice will yield a much larger volume and weight of cooked rice. The uncooked rice expands significantly as it absorbs water.

A standard half-cup serving of cooked rice typically weighs between 3.5 and 4.2 ounces, though this can vary.

Weight is a better measurement because it is consistent and not affected by how the rice is packed. Volume can vary widely based on packing density, leading to inaccuracies.

Yes, the cooking method can affect the final weight. Factors like the amount of water used and evaporation rate can lead to variations in the finished product's weight.

While the nutritional content differs, the physical weight of a standard cup of cooked enriched or unenriched white rice is comparable, with both being around 8 ounces per cup.