Free quiz

Is my poop normal?

The question everyone has and nobody asks out loud. Six quick questions about your usual week, one friendly verdict, and the signs that mean it's time to see a doctor.

Think about a typical week

1. What shape is it, usually?

Hard lumps or lumpy (Type 1 to 2) Smooth or cracked log (Type 3 to 4) Soft blobs (Type 5) Mushy or watery (Type 6 to 7)

3. How often do you go?

Fewer than 3 times a week 3 a week to 3 a day More than 3 times a day

4. Do you have to strain?

Rarely Sometimes Most times

5. Any blood, on the paper or in the bowl?

No Yes, even a little Not sure

6. Any belly pain?

None Mild cramps that pass after I go Severe, or it doesn't go away

See a doctor if…

Whatever the quiz says, these are worth a real appointment:

Blood in or on your stool
Black or tarry stool
Pale or clay-coloured stool
A change lasting more than 2 weeks
Weight loss you can't explain
Severe or ongoing belly pain

Questions people actually ask

What does normal poop look like?

Normal poop is usually brown, soft and formed, like Type 3 or 4 on the Bristol Stool Chart, and passes without straining or pain. Anywhere from three times a day to three times a week is a normal frequency.

What are the warning signs in poop?

Blood in or on your stool, black and tarry stool, pale or clay-coloured stool, a change in your habits lasting more than two weeks, weight loss you can't explain, and severe or ongoing belly pain. Any of these is worth seeing a doctor about.

Is it normal for poop to change from day to day?

Yes. Shape, colour and timing shift with what you eat and drink, how active you are, stress and travel. What matters is a change that sticks around for more than a couple of weeks.

Can this quiz tell me if something is wrong?

No. It's general information that points out common patterns and red flags. It can't examine you or know your history, so if you're worried, talk to a doctor.

More poop guides

Not sure of your type?

Let Scout look. One photo from above gets you the Bristol type, colour and a grade in seconds, and the photo is thrown away straight after grading.

Let Scout grade it See the Bristol chart

This quiz is general wellness information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. It runs in your browser and nothing you answer is saved or sent. If something feels wrong, trust that and talk to a doctor, whatever the result says.