The Bristol Stool Chart sorts poop into seven types, from hard lumps (type 1) to watery liquid (type 7). Types 3 and 4 are the ideal range. Tap the type that looks most like yours to see what it usually means, how it relates to hemorrhoids, and when to talk to a doctor.
For education only, not medical advice. This tool gives general information. It can't diagnose or treat anything and doesn't replace your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911.
Step 1
Which type looks most like yours?
Your result
What can help
Step 2
Have you noticed any of these?
None of these? Good. It's normal to have a hard or mushy stool now and then.
The 7 Bristol stool types at a glance
Type
What it looks like
What it usually suggests
1
Separate hard lumps, like pebbles
Constipation
2
Sausage-shaped but hard and lumpy
Constipation
3
Sausage-shaped with cracks on the surface
Ideal range
4
Smooth and soft, like a snake
Ideal range
5
Soft blobs with clear edges
Leaning toward diarrhea
6
Mushy, fluffy pieces with ragged edges
Diarrhea
7
Watery, no solid pieces
Diarrhea
Healthcare providers use the Bristol Stool Chart as a shared language for talking about bowel movements. If a visit feels awkward, you can simply point to a type.
How your stool type connects to hemorrhoids
Harvard Health lists chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, straining during bowel movements, and sitting on the toilet for a long time as common companions of hemorrhoids. That puts both ends of the chart in play:
Types 1 and 2: hard, dry stool is difficult to pass, so you strain. Straining puts pressure on the veins around the anus.
Types 5 to 7: frequent loose stools mean more trips, more wiping, and more irritation of skin that may already be sore.
Types 3 and 4: soft, formed stool passes without a fight. This is the range to aim for.
How to move toward type 3 or 4
Add fiber slowly. Cleveland Clinic suggests adding no more than about 5 grams a week to avoid gas and bloating. Our fiber calculator finds your target and builds a week-by-week plan.
Drink enough. Fiber works best with fluid. Use the water intake calculator to get a daily goal in cups.
Don't put off the urge. MedlinePlus notes that skipping bowel movements makes stool even harder.
Keep toilet time short. Leave the phone outside so a quick trip doesn't turn into a long sit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the healthiest Bristol stool type?
Types 3 and 4. They hold together but are soft enough to pass without straining, which suggests your bowels are moving at a healthy pace.
Can hard stools cause hemorrhoids?
Hard stools lead to straining, and straining and constipation are closely tied to hemorrhoids. Softer stool is one of the simplest ways to take pressure off the area.
Is it normal for my stool type to change?
Yes. Food, fluids, alcohol, stress, and a passing stomach bug can all shift your stool from day to day. A pattern that sticks around is worth a conversation with your doctor.
When should I see a doctor about my stool?
See a doctor for any rectal bleeding, black or tar-like stool, a lump near the anus, ongoing rectal pain, a change in bowel habits that doesn't settle, unexplained weight loss, needing laxatives often, or very runny stool that keeps going. Get emergency care if black stool comes with dizziness, weakness, or fainting.
Medical disclaimer: This tool and the information on this page are for general education only and are not medical advice. They do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition, and they are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider. Results are general descriptions and may not apply to you. Always ask your healthcare provider about symptoms or changes in your health, and never ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Hemorrhoid.com and Revivol-XR do not provide medical services. Your selections stay in your browser; we don't collect or store them.