Locations:
Search IconSearch

How Often and How Long Should It Take You to Poop?

Everyone poops, but here’s what may affect how often you visit the toilet

Graphic of woman sitting on a toilet while looking at her phone.

We all poop. But how often should you be headed to the bathroom?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

It varies from person to person and is based on different factors like your diet, age, activity level and if you have any conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease.

And when you have the urge to go, you should be able to sit down on the toilet, and within a few minutes, you should be done (with minimal straining, if any).

Colorectal surgeon Michael Valente, DO, explains how food gets digested and how often you should have a bowel movement.

How long does it take to poop out food?

The time it takes for food to make its way through your digestive system also varies from person to person. It takes different amounts of time for men and women to digest their meals, too.

It can take anywhere from two to five days for food to be fully digested and exit your body. When you eat, food goes through your stomach and small intestine — a process that can take six to eight hours — before entering your large intestine.

Once in your large intestine, it can take around 36 hours for food to be fully digested before you’re ready to have a bowel movement. A bowel movement is when stool, or the matter that’s left over after your digestive system absorbs the nutrients and fluids, exits your body through your rectum and anus.

Advertisement

“If you have a proper diet with good fiber and enough water intake, your bowel movements should be a very short occurrence,” says Dr. Valente.

How much should you poop in a day?

Don’t be alarmed if you don’t have a bowel movement each day.

On average, you should poop about three times a week. But again, it all depends on the individual. If you always poop multiple times a day and your stool is soft and easy to pass, then you’re good.

Aim for a diet full of fiber from whole grains, fruits and vegetables — this will help you have bowel movements pretty regularly. If your diet is lacking in fiber, you may notice you don’t poop as often. Most adults require 25 grams (g)–35 g of fiber per day.

Staying hydrated is also key to healthy bowel movements. Water helps keep food moving through your digestive system and keeps it soft. You may experience constipation if you’re dehydrated. Approximately 64 ounces (or 2 liters) of water per day is recommended.

Another reason you might be constipated? Your age. As you get older factors like reduced mobility and certain medications can affect how often you poop.

Exercise, even walking, can also help keep your bowel movements regular and healthy. By being active, you keep your digestive system working.

If you have a chronic illness like IBS, you may notice your bowel movement pattern can shift from frequent bowel movements to feeling constipated.

“The most common reason for difficulty having a bowel movement is a lack of fiber and fluids in an individual’s diet,” notes Dr. Valente. “Thankfully, difficulties in passing bowel movements are easily corrected by starting and maintaining good eating and drinking habits, as well as an active lifestyle.”

How often should you be pooping?

Again, it depends on each individual. Most people have a bowel pattern that’s regular for them, whether that’s once each morning or three times a day.

But whenever you’re ready to head to the bathroom, the first thing you need to do is leave your electronic devices outside the bathroom, says Dr. Valente. Don’t take the newspaper, your book, your phone or any other device in there with you.

“The bathroom is meant for one reason and one reason only — and that’s to empty your bladder and have a proper bowel movement,” stresses Dr. Valente. “Five minutes really should be the maximum time you spend in the bathroom.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Green smoothie bowl with strawberries, granola, seeds and coconut
January 9, 2025/Digestive
Why Is Your Poop Green?

There’s usually a simple answer, like what you ate, but the color can also be a cause for concern

Person journaling at desk in sunny home office, with laptop, smartphone and healthy fruits and nuts on desk
December 30, 2024/Digestive
Bloating Remedies: 6 Quick Fixes and 7 Longer-Term Strategies

Peppermint oil, exercise and a belly massage can help, but for ongoing symptoms, you may need to talk to a healthcare provider

Smiling person holding martini glass, with another person's hand also holding maritini glass
December 17, 2024/Digestive
Can Alcohol Cause Diarrhea?

Yes, diarrhea is common after drinking too much alcohol — and the best treatment is to hydrate and wait it out

Sliced grilled chicken sprinkled with sesame seeds over mixed greens with tomatoes and onions
December 12, 2024/Digestive
How To Change Your Diet After Gallbladder Removal

After a cholecystectomy, your body may temporarily have a hard time processing fat and fiber

Bowl of oatmeal, topped with fried egg and avocado, with small bowl of seeds on table
December 10, 2024/Cancer Care & Prevention
Foods To Eat and Avoid When You Have Advanced Gastric Cancer

Opt for soft foods or liquids that are rich in protein, calories and vitamins

Person eating a spoonful of ice cream, holding a glass bowl of ice cream
December 6, 2024/Digestive
Can You Live Without a Gallbladder?

You may have some digestive issues after a cholecystectomy, but they’re usually temporary

Smiling, relaxing person in a yoga pose on an exercise mat in living room
December 5, 2024/Digestive
9 Common IBS Triggers and What To Do About Them

Triggers can range from the foods you eat and the medications you take to how often you exercise and how stressed you are

Wooden spoonful of activated charcoal tablets and capsules, and small dish of loose activated charcoal
December 2, 2024/Digestive
Should You Take Activated Charcoal for a Stomach Bug (or Any Other Reason)?

Charcoal pills are used in certain emergency room settings but aren’t recommended for home use

Trending Topics

Person sitting on floor at night next to bed in deep thought, with partner sleeping in bed
Understanding Mental Load: What It Is and How It Affects You

When you get bogged down with mental tasks, you can experience mood changes, sleeplessness and more

Hands holding two different kinds of pain medications separated by a white line
Can You Take Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Together?

You can alternate these OTCs to help with pain management and fever reduction

Smiling person with headphones on, sweeping floor in living room
Understanding Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT Exercise)

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis is all the activity we do that’s not technically exercise but is still important to your health and well-being

Ad