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How Many Cups of Rice Are There in a Pound?

Quick Answer: How Many Cups of Rice Are There in a Pound? If you have one pound of raw long grain white rice, then it will equal 2.5 cups worth. If you have raw medium grain brown rice, then it will equal 2.5 cups worth.

So having said that, it all depends on whether the rice is cooked and what kind of rice is being used. 

In this quick guide we take a look at how many cups of rice there are in a pound, plus some tips on cooking with rice.

So, without further ado, let’s get to it!

How Many Cups of Rice Are There in a Pound?

How Many Cups Of Rice Are There in a Pound?

When you are following a recipe, it can be difficult to know how much rice is needed for a certain number of people, especially when it is written in pounds and you would much rather it be as cups worth. 

So in the end, it is sometimes much easier to guess and hope for the best.

However, most of the time you just end up either making too much rice, or not enough, sigh.

So, how many cups are there in a pound then? Well, it all depends on a few factors such as whether the rice is raw (which it is likely to be in a recipe), and what kind of rice it is. 

In general though, a pound of regular long grain white rice is 2.5 cups worth of rice. 

What Are The Rice Cup Measurements That Equal A Pound?

Take a look at the information below to understand the different types of raw rice and how many cups equal a pounds worth:

  • A pound of regular long grain white rice equals 2.5 cups worth
  • A pound of medium grain white rice equals 2.3 cups worth
  • A pound of medium grain brown rice equals 2.4 cups worth
  • A pound of basmati rice equals 2.3 cups worth
  • A pound of wild rice equals 3 cups worth

How Does Cooked and Raw Rice Change the Measurement?

When you measure raw rice, the measurements are completely accurate.

However, this can change once the rice has been cooked, so always measure the rice beforehand.

This is because a number of things can impact the measurement of rice once it has been cooked.

For example, if the rice has been packed in quite firmly, then it will measure differently to if it isn’t packed in so tight. Also, some rice sticks together whilst others do not.

Fortunately, whilst not a recommended way to measure rice, it will not ruin the meal if there are a few extra or less grains of rice than there should be.

However, you will get a more accurate result if you measure the rice out when raw.

Also, rice is known to expand once it has been cooked. Just as an example, if you cook one cup of rice, then it is likely to measure around three cups once it has been cooked. The rice fluffs up and expands during the cooking process.

On the other hand, brown rice still expands, just not as much as white rice. So, if you fill a cup with brown rice, then it will double up to around two cups worth of rice.  

How Much Rice is Needed Per Person?

How Much Rice is Needed Per Person?

It can be difficult to actually know how much rice one person needs, after all, we all have our own preferences when it comes to becoming full, or what we really like to eat.

But not only that, because rice can double or triple in size, you will want to know how much a cup actually produces.

If you want a big portion of rice with your meal, then a cup worth of cooked rice is ideal. To create this amount, use around one third of a cup of raw rice.

If you can’t eat that much, or would just generally like less, then filling your plate with half a cup of cooked white rice should be enough to satisfy those taste buds.

To do this, you will want to cook around two and a half tablespoons worth of raw rice.

What Are the Benefits of Eating Rice?

Rice is a very versatile ingredient that is known to go with many dishes.

It is also super easy to eat, despite it sometimes being difficult to cook. So, with this in mind, let’s take a look at some benefits of eating rice.

Rice is naturally gluten free. If you have an intolerance to gluten, then rice is a great way to introduce grains into your diet.

Because rice is so versatile (as we mentioned not so long ago), it means you can add it to many dishes that won’t upset your gut.

Brown rice is a great source of fiber and can help to keep you regular. If you have been struggling with constipation due to not having enough fiber every day, then brown rice may be able to help.

Rice is also used in skincare products too. It has been known that rice water can help with several skin conditions such as acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also pretty good to eat though, as it can help from the inside out!

Rice also includes energy, which can help if you are feeling lethargic. It includes carbohydrates which give us fuel to burn.

Not only that, carbohydrates can also help with the functioning of the brain too. 

Lastly, and by all means not the least, rice has a good amount of b vitamins which will help support the nervous system within the body.

This means that rice can help towards the proper functioning of the body, and making sure everything goes well. 

What Are Rice Cooking Tips? 

If you don’t have a rice cooker, then there is another way to cook rice. It doesn’t have to be as stressful as you might have experienced before. Here are some simple and easy tips on cooking rice:

  • When you have the raw rice ready to cook, always put them into cold water first. You might find that if you are using sticky rice, then you will need to keep washing the rice under cold water and repeating steps until the water becomes clear, rather than cloudy.
  • You must keep an eye on rice being cooked in order for the water to not boil away. The last thing you want is for rice to be sat in a dry pot.
  • If you do find that the rice isn’t cooked yet and there is no water left, then all you need to do is add a quarter of a cup of boiling hot water to keep the cooking process going. You can repeat this step as many times as you need to.
  • Once the rice is cooked and feels tender, then it is ready to be served. If there is still water in the pot, pour the rice into a strainer to remove any of the excess liquid.

If this all seems like too much, invest in a rice cooker that you can leave to do its job. However, it is fun to give cooking rice a try – at least just once!

Jess Smith
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