Portion Guides
How much rice per person?
Use this simple rice portion guide to calculate dry rice for one, two or more people, with main-course, side-dish and water quantities.
By the Susan Cooks editorial team · Last reviewed 23 July 2026
At a glance
Quick answer
Allow 75g (about 6 US tablespoons) of dry rice per adult when rice is the main starch, or 50–60g (about ¼–⅓ US cup) for a smaller side. For two people, that is 150g for a main or 100–120g for a side. Appetite, the rest of the meal and the rice variety can all shift the useful amount.
Dry rice portions for common household sizes
| People | Side dish | Main course | Approx. cooked yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50–60g (¼–⅓ cup) | 75g (about 6 tbsp) | 150–225g |
| 2 | 100–120g (½–⅔ cup) | 150g (¾ cup) | 300–450g |
| 4 | 200–240g (1–1¼ cups) | 300g (1½ cups) | 600–900g |
| 6 | 300–360g (1½–1¾ cups) | 450g (2¼ cups) | 900g–1.35kg |
Side-dish versus main-course portions
Use the lower figure when rice sits beside a curry, fish or several vegetables. Use the main-course figure for rice bowls, fried rice or a dish in which rice supplies most of the bulk. Children and people with smaller appetites may need less; serve the meal family-style when appetites differ.
Dry rice versus cooked rice
Most white rice finishes at roughly two-and-a-half to three times its dry weight because it absorbs water. A 75g dry portion commonly gives about 190–225g cooked. The exact yield changes with variety, rinsing, cooking method and how much water evaporates.
Basmati and long-grain rice
For white basmati or long-grain rice, 75g per person is a practical main-meal starting point. Rinse if the packet recommends it, then follow the packet ratio because absorption methods differ. A common starting point is 1 part rice to 1½–2 parts water by volume.
Brown rice and risotto rice
Brown rice usually needs more water and a longer simmer than white rice, but the dry portion can stay around 60–75g per person. Risotto rice is normally 75–80g per person for a main because stock, vegetables and cheese add volume. Add risotto stock gradually rather than applying a fixed absorption ratio.
Rice-to-water ratios
Treat ratios as starting points, not universal rules. For an absorption method, try 150ml water for each 75g white basmati rice, or use the packet instruction. Brown rice often needs about 2–2½ parts water to 1 part rice by volume. Pan width, lid fit and hob strength affect evaporation.
How to measure rice without scales
About 6 level US tablespoons of dry long-grain rice is close to one 75g main portion; ¼–⅓ cup is a smaller side. Cup weights vary by grain, so use the same measure and note the result that suits your household. A small mug can work as a ratio measure if you use it for both rice and water.
How to scale rice for two people
For two, weigh 150g dry rice for a rice-led meal or 100–120g for a side. Use a small saucepan with a close-fitting lid: a very wide pan can lose water too quickly, while an oversized batch is more likely to become tomorrow’s avoidable leftover.
Cooling, storage and reheating
The UK Food Standards Agency advises cooling leftover rice as quickly as possible, ideally within one hour. Divide it into shallow portions rather than leaving it in the cooking pan, cover and refrigerate, then use within 24 hours.
Reheat rice only once and make sure it is steaming hot all the way through. Poor cooling and storage allow Bacillus cereus spores to grow and may produce toxins that reheating cannot remove.
Common rice portion mistakes
Do not estimate a dry portion from the size of cooked grains, and do not use the same quantity for a small side and a rice bowl. Measuring the water but guessing the rice also makes the ratio unreliable. Record the amount that works for your pan and household.
Relevant recipes
Frequently asked questions
How much dry rice do I need for one person?
Use about 75g for a main-meal portion or 50–60g when rice is a smaller side.
How much rice do I need for two people?
Use 150g dry rice for two main portions, or 100–120g for two side portions.
How much cooked rice does 75g dry rice make?
Usually about 190–225g cooked, although the variety and cooking method affect the yield.
Sources and review notes
Quantities are practical starting points rather than nutritional prescriptions. Food-safety passages were reviewed against current UK guidance on 23 July 2026.