The Bristol Stool Chart

Seven types of poop, explained.

The chart doctors use, in plain words and with less awkwardness. Find your type, see what it usually means, and how to reach the gold standard: Type 4.

1Hard lumps 2Lumpy log 3Cracked log 4Smooth snake 5Soft blobs 6Mushy 7Watery

Types 1–2: slowTypes 3–4: the ideal rangeTypes 5–7: fast and loose

Type by type

The shape of a stool mostly tells you how long it spent in your gut. Slow means more water absorbed and harder stool; fast means less water absorbed and looser stool.

Slow5 pts in Scout

Type 1 · Hard lumps

Rabbit-pellet territory.

Looks like: Separate hard lumps, like nuts. Often hard work to pass.

This is the slowest type. Stool has sat in the colon long enough for most of its water to be absorbed, which usually points to constipation. Low fibre, not enough water, sitting a lot, travel and some medications are the usual suspects. One hard day now and then is common.

Add fibre slowlyFruit, veg, oats, beans and whole grains. Go up a little each day so your gut can keep up.
Drink through the dayFibre needs water to do its job. Hard drops are usually thirsty drops.
Get movingA 20-minute walk helps the gut move too.

Slow15 pts in Scout

Type 2 · Lumpy log

Close, but lumpy.

Looks like: Sausage-shaped, but lumpy and firm.

Still on the slow side. Things are hanging together, but they're dry and taking their time. It's a common sign of mild constipation and usually responds to the same everyday basics as Type 1.

Two kiwis or a few prunesBoth are well-studied, gentle ways to soften things up.
One more glassAdd a glass of water with each meal and see what changes.
Don't ignore the urgeGive yourself unhurried time, ideally after a meal, when the gut is most active.

Ideal40 pts in Scout

Type 3 · Cracked log

Solid. Literally.

Looks like: Like a sausage, with cracks on the surface.

Inside the ideal range. Type 3 is a normal, healthy stool, just a touch drier than Type 4. Nothing to fix, though a little more water often nudges it to a 4.

Top up the waterA glass or two more a day is often all it takes to smooth the cracks.
Keep the varietyDifferent plants feed different gut bacteria. Mix it up.
Keep doing what you're doingYour gut is in good shape. Consistency is the goal.

Ideal50 pts in Scout

Type 4 · Smooth snake

The gold standard.

Looks like: Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft.

The one to aim for. Type 4 is soft, holds its shape and passes easily, a sign that fibre, water and transit time are all in balance. Scout pays the most points for this one.

Same again tomorrowWhatever you ate, drank and did, it's working.
Keep a rhythmRegular meals and sleep help keep regular trips.
Stay activeMovement keeps everything moving, gut included.

Fast25 pts in Scout

Type 5 · Soft blobs

A little speedy.

Looks like: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges, passed easily.

On the faster, looser side of normal. Stool moved through before much water was absorbed. It's common for people who go two or three times a day, and can also follow a big meal, coffee or alcohol. Not a crisis.

Soluble fibreOats, bananas and psyllium help firm things up.
Notice triggersCoffee, alcohol, rich or spicy food and stress can all speed things up.
Regular mealsSmaller, steadier meals are easier on a speedy gut.

Fast15 pts in Scout

Type 6 · Mushy

Something's off.

Looks like: Fluffy, mushy pieces with ragged edges.

Loose stool, often called mild diarrhea. Things are moving quickly, so less water is absorbed. A stomach bug, something you ate, stress, caffeine or alcohol can all do it, and it usually settles in a day or two.

HydrateLoose stool takes water with it. Sip steadily through the day.
Go gentleBananas, rice, toast and oats are easy on the gut.
Ease off for a dayCoffee, alcohol and hot sauce can wait.

Fast5 pts in Scout

Type 7 · Watery

Rough day.

Looks like: Watery, with no solid pieces. Entirely liquid.

This is diarrhea. Stool has rushed through with almost no water absorbed, so the main job is replacing fluids. A short bout is often a bug or food that didn't agree. If it lasts more than two days, or comes with blood, fever or signs of dehydration, see a doctor.

Replace fluidsWater, plus an oral rehydration drink or broth to put salts back.
Small, plain mealsEat little and often when you feel up to it.
Watch the clockMore than 2 days, or blood, fever or dizziness? See a doctor.

See a doctor if…

Your poop's type changes day to day and that's normal. These are not, and they're worth a real appointment, whatever the type:

Blood in your stool
Black or tarry stool
Pale or white stool
Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days
Severe pain
Weight loss you can't explain

Questions people actually ask

What is the Bristol Stool Chart?

It's a seven-type chart of stool shapes, from separate hard lumps (Type 1) to entirely liquid (Type 7). It was developed at the Bristol Royal Infirmary in England in 1997 and is used by doctors worldwide, because a stool's shape is a good clue to how long it took to move through the gut.

What is the healthiest type of poop?

Types 3 and 4 are the ideal range, and Type 4, smooth and soft like a snake, is the one to aim for. It holds its shape and passes easily.

What does Type 1 or Type 2 poop mean?

Hard or lumpy stool usually means things are moving slowly, which is often constipation. More fibre (added gradually), more water and more movement are the usual first steps.

What do Type 6 and Type 7 mean?

Mushy or watery stool means things are moving fast, which is diarrhea. It's often a short-lived bug or something you ate. Drink plenty of fluids, and see a doctor if it lasts more than 2 days or comes with blood, fever or signs of dehydration.

How often should you poop?

Anywhere from three times a day to three times a week is widely considered normal. What matters more is what's normal for you, and a change that sticks around is worth mentioning to a doctor.

Can an app tell my Bristol type from a photo?

Stool Scout's AI estimates the Bristol type from a photo taken from above, and the photo is thrown away straight after grading. It's a wellness game and general information, not a diagnosis, and it can be wrong.

Not sure which type you are?

Let Scout grade it. Snap a photo from above and get your Bristol type in seconds. The photo is thrown away straight after grading.

Let Scout grade it Play Turdle

The Bristol Stool Scale was developed by Lewis and Heaton at the Bristol Royal Infirmary (1997). This page is general wellness information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. If something feels wrong, trust that and talk to a doctor.