Turd Types - Bristol Stool Scale Guide

The Bristol Stool Scale (also called the Bristol Stool Chart or Bristol Stool Form Scale) is a medical diagnostic tool that classifies human stool into seven categories based on shape and consistency. It is used in both clinical and research settings to help doctors and patients communicate about bowel health, diagnose conditions like constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.

The scale helps assess how long stool has spent in the bowel—Type 1 indicates the longest transit time, while Type 7 indicates the shortest.

The Bristol Stool Scale was developed by Dr. Stephen Lewis and Dr. Ken Heaton at the University Department of Medicine, Bristol Royal Infirmary in England. It was first published in 1997 in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, following a prospective study conducted in 1992.

Dr. Kenneth Heaton (1936–2013) was a British physician and expert in intestinal diseases who also helped define the diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome. The chart emerged from research observing the relationship between stool form and intestinal transit time.

Types 3 and 4 are considered ideal and indicate healthy bowel function:

• Type 3: Like a sausage with cracks on the surface
• Type 4: Smooth and soft, like a snake or sausage

These stools are easy to pass without straining and indicate good digestion, adequate fiber intake, and proper hydration. Healthcare professionals generally consider Types 3, 4, and 5 to be typical, though Types 3 and 4 are the most ideal.

Types 1 and 2 indicate constipation. These stools are hard, dry, and difficult to pass:

• Type 1: Separate hard lumps, like nuts—indicates severe constipation
• Type 2: Sausage-shaped but lumpy—indicates mild constipation

Constipation occurs when food passes too slowly through the digestive system, allowing the colon to absorb too much water. This can result from inadequate fiber intake, dehydration, lack of physical activity, or ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement.

Types 6 and 7 indicate diarrhea. These stools are loose or liquid:

• Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, mushy—indicates mild diarrhea
• Type 7: Watery with no solid pieces—indicates severe diarrhea

Diarrhea occurs when food moves too rapidly through the digestive tract, giving the colon too little time to absorb fluid. Common causes include infections, food poisoning, stress, medications, or underlying digestive conditions.

There's no single "normal" frequency—what matters is what's normal for you. Being "regular" means having soft, well-formed bowel motions (Types 3-4) that are easily passed.

Typical healthy range: Anywhere from 3 times a day to 3 times a week is considered normal. Most people have a bowel movement once a day, but frequency can vary based on diet, activity level, and individual differences.

What's more important than frequency is consistency—if your stools are regularly Types 3 or 4 and easy to pass, your bowels are likely healthy.

If your stools aren't consistently Types 3 or 4, try these lifestyle adjustments:

• Increase fiber gradually: Aim for 25-30g daily for women, 30-38g for men. Good sources include oatmeal, beans, peas, apples, and whole grains.
• Stay hydrated: Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Water helps fiber work effectively and prevents hard, dry stools.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps stimulate intestinal contractions and promotes regular bowel movements.
• Don't ignore the urge: Delaying bowel movements can lead to constipation and straining.
• Eat regular meals: Consistent meal times help establish regular bowel habits.