How to Cook White Rice: Stove and Rice Cooker Methods
Quick answer: On the stove, use 1 cup of white rice to 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, cover and simmer on low for 18 to 20 minutes, then rest for 5 to 10 minutes. In a rice cooker, use 1 cup of rice to 1 to 1¼ cups of water, press cook, and rest for 10 minutes when it switches to Keep Warm. Always rinse the rice first.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
White rice to water ratio
| Rice type | Stove (rice : water) | Rice cooker (rice : water) |
|---|---|---|
| Long-grain white | 1 : 2 | 1 : 1 to 1 : 1.25 |
| Jasmine | 1 : 1.5 | 1 : 1 to 1 : 1.25 |
| Basmati | 1 : 1.5 | 1 : 1.25 to 1 : 1.5 |
| Sushi / short-grain | 1 : 1.25 | 1 : 1 to 1 : 1.1 |
A rice cooker loses far less steam than an open pot, so it needs less water. If your cooker has water lines in the pot, follow them. See our full guide on how much water to use for rice.
How to cook white rice on the stove
You need: 1 cup of white rice, 2 cups of water, and ½ teaspoon of salt (optional).
- Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This removes loose starch so the grains stay separate.
- Add the rice, 2 cups of water and the salt to a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over high heat. When it boils, reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer for 18 to 20 minutes without lifting the lid, until the water is absorbed.
- Remove from the heat and leave covered for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and serve.
How to cook white rice in a rice cooker
You need: 1 cup of white rice and 1 to 1¼ cups of water, plus ½ teaspoon of salt if you like.
- Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear, then drain well.
- Put the rice in the inner pot and add the water, or fill to the line for the amount of rice you are cooking.
- Close the lid and press Cook, or select the white rice setting.
- When the cooker switches to Keep Warm, leave the lid closed for about 10 minutes.
- Fluff with a rice paddle or fork and serve.
Not sure which cooker to use? See our best rice cooker picks.
Tips for fluffy white rice
- Rinse well. It is the biggest factor in fluffy, non-gummy rice. Some enriched rice carries a "do not rinse" label, so check the package.
- Do not lift the lid during cooking or resting.
- Do not stir while it cooks.
- Rest the rice before fluffing so the grains firm up.
- Adjust a little. If rice is too firm, add 2 to 4 tablespoons of water next time. If it is mushy, use slightly less.
Fixing common problems
- Mushy rice: too much water or not enough rinsing.
- Hard or crunchy rice: too little water, or the lid was lifted. Add a splash of water, cover and steam for 5 minutes.
- Burnt bottom (stove): heat was too high. Use the lowest setting and a heavy pot.
- Sticky clumps: rinse more thoroughly and fluff right after resting.
How much cooked rice do you get?
1 cup of uncooked white rice makes about 3 cups cooked, which is enough for 2 to 3 side servings.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to cook white rice?
About 18 to 20 minutes on the stove plus resting, and 20 to 40 minutes in a rice cooker, depending on the model.
Do I have to rinse white rice?
Rinsing gives separate, fluffier grains and is recommended for most white rice. Skip it only if the package says not to.
Can I use the same amount of water in a rice cooker and on the stove?
No. A rice cooker needs much less water, about 1 to 1¼ cups per cup of rice instead of 2.
How do I cook other types of rice?
See our guides to brown rice and sticky rice.
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