Perfect Rice Portions: From Sides to Main Courses
Never guess with rice again. Calculate the exact amount of uncooked rice needed for any number of guests, whether it's a side dish or the main event.
The Golden Rules of Rice
Rice is the world's most popular side dish for a reason, but cooking the right amount can be tricky. Too little and guests go hungry; too much and you're eating leftovers for a week. Our calculator uses standard catering ratios to get it right every time.
Cooking Instructions
1. Rinsing (Crucial Step)
Always rinse white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
2. The Ratio
For most long-grain white rice, use a 1:2 ratio (1 part rice to 2 parts water). For brown rice, increase to 1:2.5.
3. Simmer, Don't Boil
Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to the lowest setting. Cover tightly with a lid and do not peek! Steam is doing the work.
4. The Fluff
After cooking (usually 15-20 mins for white, 40-45 for brown), remove from heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes. Then fluff with a fork.
Serving Tips
- Main vs Side: Use 75g (dry) for a standard side. Scale up to 100-120g if it's the main base of a bowl (like a burrito bowl).
- Leftovers: Fried rice is best made with day-old, chilled rice!
Calculate Portions by Guest Count
Select the number of people you're serving to get precise measurements
Portions for
2 People
150 g total Rice
Portions for
4 People
300 g total Rice
Portions for
6 People
450 g total Rice
Portions for
8 People
600 g total Rice
Portions for
10 People
750 g total Rice
Portions for
12 People
900 g total Rice
Portions for
15 People
1125 g total Rice
Portions for
20 People
1500 g total Rice
Portions for
30 People
2250 g total Rice
Portions for
50 People
3750 g total Rice
Portions for
75 People
5625 g total Rice
Portions for
100 People
7500 g total Rice
Portions for
200 People
15000 g total Rice
Quick Reference Guide
75g
Per Serving
300g
For 4 People
750g
For 10 People
3.75kg
For 50 People
Related Categories
Pro Tips
- • Always prepare slightly more than calculated to account for hearty appetites
- • Consider the occasion: formal dinners typically require more precise portions
- • Account for side dishes when planning main course quantities
- • Store leftovers properly to minimize waste and extend freshness