The short answer
For soaked basmati, use about 1.5 cups of water per cup of rice. Unsoaked basmati needs closer to 1.75 to 2 cups. Sella needs about 2 cups per cup after soaking. For biryani, skip the ratio: boil in plenty of water and drain.
Water chart (absorption method)
| Rice | Soaked | Not soaked |
|---|---|---|
| Super Kernel basmati | 1 : 1.5 | 1 : 1.75 |
| 1121 / Kainat | 1 : 1.5 | 1 : 2 |
| Double steam | 1 : 1.6 | 1 : 2 |
| Sella | 1 : 2 | 1 : 2.5 |
Why ratios vary
Older, well-aged rice absorbs more water. Wide, heavy pots lose more steam than tall ones. Treat the chart as a starting point and adjust by a few spoonfuls next time.
The finger test
A traditional shortcut: level the rice in the pot and add water until it reaches the first knuckle of your index finger above the rice. It works surprisingly well for soaked basmati in a medium pot.