The Bristol Stool Chart: What should poop look like?

This stool chart was developed to help doctors to talk about the shape and type of poop, or stools.

Ideally, a child’s bowel movement resembles type nos. 3 or 4 and passes easily without being too watery.

Stool that looks like types 5, 6 or 7 are likely signs of diarrhea.

Poop that looks like type 1 or 2 is likely a sign of constipation.

The guidance on this page has been clinically reviewed by CHOC pediatric experts.

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