Long grain rice is longer, thinner and has a lighter, drier texture. The rice usually separates easily and is less likely to be mushy or sticky. Medium grain rice is a little bit shorter and wider than long grain. It's a little more more moist and tender than long grain rice. Short grain rice is noticeably shorter and wider. The starch content of short grain rice is higher so when it's cooked the texture is more likely to be sticky or clump together.