The short answer: A cup of dry rice typically weighs about 180 to 200 grams (6.3 to 7 ounces). Dry rice roughly triples in weight after cooking because it absorbs water.
Cup of rice weight by type
A cup of rice weighs differently depending on the grain type and whether the rice is dry or cooked.
| Type (example) | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Dry long-grain white | 185 to 200 g (6.5 to 7 oz) |
| Dry short-grain / sushi | 190 to 210 g (6.7 to 7.4 oz) |
| Dry brown rice | 180 to 195 g (6.3 to 7 oz) |
| Cooked rice (per cup) | 150 to 200 g (5 to 7 oz) |
What affects cup of rice weight
- Dry vs. cooked. Rice roughly triples in weight after absorbing cooking water.
- Grain type. Short-grain rice packs more densely per cup than long-grain.
- Packing. Tapping or settling the cup compacts the grains.
- Moisture. Stored rice can absorb a little ambient humidity.
- Polishing. Brown rice with its bran differs slightly from white.
How cup of rice weight compares
A cup of dry rice weighs about the same as a stick and a half of butter, or roughly as much as a medium apple plus a small orange.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cup of cooked rice weigh?
A cup of cooked rice weighs roughly 150 to 200 grams. One cup of dry rice cooks up to about three cups cooked.
How many cups are in a pound of rice?
A pound of dry rice (454 grams) equals roughly two and a quarter to two and a half cups.
Why does dry rice weigh so much per cup?
Dry rice grains are dense and pack tightly with little air, so a cup holds close to 200 grams before any cooking water is added.
