Bristol stool chart

Pick the type that looks most like yours. You see what that type usually means, and the signs that mean you should call a doctor.

Which looks most like yours?

Bristol stool chart

Pick a type on the left to see what it usually means.

Call a doctor right away for

Blood in the stool, or black, tarry stool
Severe pain in the belly or rectum
Diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days, a high fever, or six or more loose stools a day
Signs of dehydration: strong thirst, little or dark urine, dizziness
Constipation with bleeding, constant belly pain, vomiting or weight loss you cannot explain

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How it works

The Bristol stool form scale was published by Lewis and Heaton at the Bristol Royal Infirmary in 1997. It sorts stool into seven types by shape and consistency, and the type follows how long food takes to pass through the gut.

Types 1 and 2 are hard and point to slow transit, as in constipation. Types 3 and 4 are the ideal range: formed, soft and easy to pass. Types 5, 6 and 7 are soft, mushy or liquid and point to fast transit, as in diarrhea.

One stool says little. A pattern over days, next to what you ate, slept and felt, says much more, which is why doctors and dietitians ask patients to keep a diary.

Good to know

This chart describes; it does not diagnose. Only a clinician can tell you why your stool changed.
Call a doctor right away for blood in the stool, black or tarry stool, severe belly or rectal pain, signs of dehydration, or diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days.

Frequently asked questions

What is a normal Bristol stool type?

Types 3 and 4 are usually considered the healthy range: formed, soft and easy to pass. What matters most is a change from what is normal for you.

What does Bristol type 6 or 7 mean?

Loose or watery stool, as in diarrhea: food moved through quickly. If it lasts more than 2 days, or comes with fever, blood or dehydration, call a doctor.

What does Bristol type 1 or 2 mean?

Hard, lumpy stool that is often difficult to pass, as in constipation. See a doctor if it does not settle with self-care, or right away if it comes with bleeding, constant belly pain or weight loss you cannot explain.

Why track stool type next to food?

Because a pattern only shows up over time. On a low-FODMAP plan, the stool type next to each meal helps you and your dietitian see which foods you tolerate.