What is the consistency of stool?

Stool consistency is a measure of the firmness or looseness of stool. It is typically classified using the Bristol Stool Scale, which categorizes stool into 7 types based on its appearance:

Type 1: Separate hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass)

Type 2: Sausage-shaped, but lumpy

Type 3: Like a sausage but with cracks on its surface

Type 4: Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft

Type 5: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges (passed easily)

Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool

Type 7: Entirely liquid stool, no solid pieces

The ideal stool consistency is considered to be Type 4, which is smooth, soft, and snake-like. This type of stool is relatively easy to pass and indicates good bowel health and regular bowel movements.