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

Man leaning against sink in the bathroom on their phone
March 7, 2025/Digestive
4 Reasons Your Poop Is Sticky

Excess mucus, ulcers, a high-fat diet and pancreatic conditions can make stool sticky

Person about to eat a plate full of pancakes with blueberries on top
February 26, 2025/Digestive
Can Food Change the Color of Your Poop?

Diet offers a rainbow of possibilities when it comes to the hue of your stool

Caregivers adoring baby in diaper on diaper changing table
October 14, 2024/Children's Health
Baby Poop Colors: What Do They Mean?

If it’s brown, yellow or green, there’s typically no need to worry, but call your pediatrician if your little one’s stool is red, black or white

running to toilet
February 11, 2022/Digestive
Poop Shape, Color and Smell: What’s Healthy and What’s Not

Your #2 can be the #1 sign of a medical issue

small boy covers eyes in bathroom
June 24, 2021/Nutrition
Why Can You See Corn in Poop?

The short answer from a registered dietitian

Hand in bathroom grabbing last of toilet paper
October 7, 2019/Digestive
Are You Pooping All Wrong?

5 tips to keep your bowels healthy

scoop on poop
The Scoop on Poop: 5 Facts You Need to Know

What are your bowel movements telling you?

Hands gently holding illustration of the human gut/intestines
March 21, 2025/Digestive
Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: What’s the Difference?

Probiotics are ‘good’ bacteria that help your gut, while prebiotics are foods that fuel the bacteria

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad