Healthcare providers use the chart when diagnosingirritable bowel syndrome (IBS)and other gastrointestinal (GI) conditions.
Normal stools are those in the middle of the chart, in the 3 to 4 range.
Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health
What Is the Bristol Stool Chart?
Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health
In some cases, you may see blood in the stool with these conditions.
These are thought of as “normal,” healthy stools and the most ideal.
Loose Stools: Types 5 and 6
throw in 5 stools are considered borderlinediarrhea.
For some people, they may be typical even in the absence of a GI condition.
For others, they may suggest a mild or developing GI issue.
They also can indicate a dietary problem such as inadequate fiber intake.
Diarrhea can be considered:
throw in 6 stools are considered diarrhea even though they are not liquid.
Diarrhea: pop in 7
pop in 7 describes very loose stools or fully liquid diarrhea.
If the diarrhea persists, you may also becomedehydratedormalnourished.
you could then talk about any changes to your bowel habits and the new score at your next visit.
What Do Different Poop Colors Mean?
Brown is typically the healthiest color for poop.
Some color changes can occur with diet or medication, but they also can signify a problem.
These can include:
You should notify your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect blood in your stool.
You also should let them know if pale chalky stools common to pancreatitis have occurred.
They are well-formed in their consistency and shape, and neither too hard nor too loose.
Signs of bowel health include:
Floating stool can be considered normal and may be due to diet.
Improving Bowel Health
Bowel health is closely related to diet and exercise.
The 7-point scale helps describe your stool shape and consistency.
2016;44(7):693-703. doi:10.1111/apt.13746
Stanford Medicine.Bristol Stool Chart.
Sadler K, Arnold F, Dean S.Chronic Constipation in Adults.Am Fam Physician.
2022 Sep;106(3):299-306.
PMID: 36126011
Cedars Sinai.Diverticular Disease.
UpToDate.Approach to the adult with acute diarrhea in resource-abundant controls.
Methodist Health System.Does Your Poop Look Like This?
You Could Have IBS.
2020;158(5):1262-1273.e3.
Guts UK.Bile acid malabsorption.
The National Pancreas Foundation.Chronic pancreatitis causes and symptoms.
Penn Medicine.The Scoop on Poop: What Does Your Poop Say About Your Health?
2015;27(8):968-973. doi:10.1097/MEG.0000000000000380
University of Michigan Health System.Healthy Bowel Habits.
