REFERENCE · FREE
Bristol Stool Chart Type 1
The standard description of type 1 is: Separate hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass).
Type 1 of 7 · Separate hard lumps
Place on the scale
Harder, slower transit. On the scale, types 1 and 2 are described as forms that go with a slower passage through the bowel.
This describes how the scale is organised. It is not an assessment of anyone's own result.
Bristol Stool Form Scale
- Type 1Separate hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass).Harder, slower transit
- Type 2Sausage-shaped, but lumpy.Harder, slower transit
- Type 3Like a sausage, but with cracks on its surface.Commonly described typical range
- Type 4Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft.Commonly described typical range
- Type 5Soft blobs with clear-cut edges (passed easily).Looser, faster transit
- Type 6Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool.Looser, faster transit
- Type 7Watery, no solid pieces. Entirely liquid.Looser, faster transit
Harder, slower transit: On the scale, types 1 and 2 are described as forms that go with a slower passage through the bowel.
Commonly described typical range: On the scale, types 3 and 4 are the forms commonly described as the typical range.
Looser, faster transit: On the scale, types 5, 6 and 7 are described as forms that go with a faster passage through the bowel.
A private poop log for iPhone
Log it in one tap.
Cobblo puts the Bristol chart in your pocket. Pick a type in one tap, add a note if you want, look back over your weeks, and make a PDF to bring to your doctor (Pro). Everything stays on your iPhone. No account.
A personal log, not medical advice.
About the scale
The Bristol stool form scale was published by Lewis and Heaton in 1997. It groups stool form into seven types so that people and clinicians can describe it in the same words. Types 1 and 2 are the harder forms, types 3 and 4 are the forms commonly described as typical, and types 5 to 7 are looser, up to entirely liquid.
The scale names forms. It does not diagnose anything, and it does not say what a form means for the person recording it. A common use is to write down a type for each bowel movement, so the record is clear when it is shown to a doctor or dietitian.
General information, not medical advice
This page describes and records. It does not diagnose, treat or recommend anything, and it cannot tell you what your own entries mean. For questions about your health, ask a doctor or other qualified health professional.
Talk to a doctor if you notice
- Blood in your stool, or black stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- An ongoing change in your bowel habits that lasts for several weeks
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
Sources
- Lewis SJ, Heaton KW. "Stool form scale as a useful guide to intestinal transit time." Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology 1997;32(9):920-4. PubMed
- NHS: Diarrhoea and vomiting and Constipation
- NIDDK: Irritable bowel syndrome
Frequently asked questions
What is type 1 on the Bristol stool chart?
On the Bristol stool form scale, type 1 is described as: Separate hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass).
Where does type 1 sit on the scale?
On the scale, types 1 and 2 are described as forms that go with a slower passage through the bowel. The scale describes the form of a stool. It does not say what a form means for any one person.
How can I record type 1?
Use the free food and symptom diary on this site. Pick the type from the chart descriptions, add a time, and print or export the week. Entries stay in your browser.
Is this medical advice?
No. This is general information. For questions about your health, talk to a doctor.