Bristol stool chart explained: types 1 to 7
The Bristol stool chart sorts stool into seven types, from type 1 (separate hard lumps) to type 7 (entirely watery). Types 3 and 4 are generally considered normal, types 1 and 2 point toward constipation, and types 6 and 7 toward diarrhea. Because shape roughly reflects how long stool spent in the gut, doctors use the chart as a shared language.
The seven types
| Type | Looks like | Usually means |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Separate hard lumps | Severe constipation |
| 2 | Lumpy, sausage-shaped | Constipation |
| 3 | Sausage with cracks on the surface | Normal |
| 4 | Smooth, soft sausage or snake | Normal (ideal) |
| 5 | Soft blobs with clear edges | Lacking fiber, trending loose |
| 6 | Fluffy, mushy pieces with ragged edges | Mild diarrhea |
| 7 | Watery, no solid pieces | Diarrhea |
How it relates to IBS subtypes
Under the Rome IV criteria, IBS is grouped by which abnormal stools dominate: mostly types 1–2 is IBS with constipation (IBS-C), mostly types 6–7 is IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), and frequent both is mixed (IBS-M). A few weeks of logged types makes that conversation much easier.
Tips for logging
- Log right after, not from memory at the end of the day.
- Add urgency, pain and frequency next to the type.
- Look at the weekly spread, not a single day. Two weeks of trend matter more than one type 7.
Log it with Bellywise
Bellywise is a free bowel movement tracker where you tap a Bristol type 1–7 and add urgency and pain. Weekly charts show your spread of types, and a PDF report shares it with your doctor.
Medical note
This guide is general information, not a medical diagnosis or treatment. See a doctor promptly if you notice blood in your stool, unintended weight loss, pain that wakes you at night, fever, or a new change in bowel habits after age 50.
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