How Much Rice Per Person?
Plan 1/3 cup (60 to 75 g) dry rice per adult for a side dish, or 1/2 cup (90 to 100 g) when rice is the main part of the meal.
Use the rice calculator for any group size and switch between US and metric units for a practical dry and cooked estimate.
Kids are counted as about 60% of an adult portion. Appetite and leftover adjustments are shown in the result.
Shopping list
- Dry rice2.2 lb
- Water for cooking6.9 cups
Info: 75g dry rice per adult. Cooked weight ~3× dry.
Dry and cooked rice portions
Dry rice usually expands to about three times its original volume, though variety and cooking method change the exact yield. One-third cup dry rice commonly makes about 1 cup cooked, a generous side serving. Use one-quarter cup dry for a smaller side with several other dishes, or one-half cup when rice anchors a bowl, curry, or fried-rice meal.
Multiply the dry amount by adult guests and count younger children at around 60 percent. For 10 adults, a normal side needs roughly 3 1/3 cups dry rice. For 50 adults, use about 16 2/3 cups, then convert to package weight. Add 10 percent for self-service, seconds, or a small leftover buffer.
Cooking rice for a group
Check the package ratio because long-grain, brown, jasmine, basmati, and converted rice absorb different amounts of water. Large batches often need less water proportionally than small stovetop batches, especially in covered hotel pans or commercial rice cookers. Test the exact method before an important event and avoid exceeding the equipment's rated capacity.
Cook in manageable batches, rest the rice before fluffing, and hold it safely above 140 F (60 C) for service. Cool leftovers rapidly in shallow containers rather than leaving a deep pot at room temperature. Label whether your recipe calls for dry or cooked rice: confusing the two is the most common reason a group estimate is far too large or too small.