Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Urine colour chart

3-minute read

Are you drinking enough water? Use this urine colour chart to check how hydrated you are. It is important to drink plenty of water every day to stay healthy.

Infographic of a urine colour chart, that you can use to assess how hydrated you are.
Download this guide as a PDF

View text version of infographic

Am I drinking enough water?

Use this urine colour chart to check how hydrated you are. It is important to drink plenty of water every day to stay healthy.

1 to 2: Hydrated

Pale, odourless and plentiful urine usually means that you are well hydrated.
Keep drinking at the same rate.

3 to 4: Mildly dehydrated

Slightly darker yellow urine usually means that you need to drink more water.
Drink a glass of water now.

5 to 6: Dehydrated

Medium-dark yellow urine usually means that you are dehydrated.
Drink 2-3 glasses of water now.

7 to 8: Very Dehydrated

Darker, strong-smelling urine in small amounts can be a sign of dehydration.
Drink a large bottle of water immediately.

What can change the colour of my urine?

Certain foods, medications and vitamin supplements may change your urine colour even if you are hydrated.

Important

The colours on this chart should only be used as a guide and should not replace the advice of a health professional. Speak to your doctor if you are worried about the colour of your urine, the amount of water you drink or dehydration.

More information

Read more here about why drinking plenty of water every day is essential for good health. Find out how much water you need to stay hydrated, and what can happen if you don't drink enough.

Get tips on keeping kids hydrated here. Learn more about the signs of dehydration here (and how to avoid it).

PDF format PDF format PDF format PDF format

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: January 2024


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Metanephrines - 24 hr urine | Pathology Tests Explained

This test measures the amount of metanephrines that are excreted in the urine over a 24-hour period. Metanephrines are the inactive metabolites of the catech

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Protein urine | Pathology Tests Explained

The protein urine test measures the amount of protein being excreted in the urine. Elevated levels may be seen temporarily with conditions such as infections

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Poo & wee: what to expect in babies | Raising Children Network

Looking at your baby’s poo and wee might sound disgusting, but it’s not. It’s one of the best ways to check your baby’s health. Find out more.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Poo & wee: what to expect in babies | Raising Children Network

Looking at your baby’s poo and wee might sound disgusting, but it’s not. It’s one of the best ways to check your baby’s health. Find out more.

Read more on Raising Children PBB website

Can a urine drug screening test tell whether someone is currently using drugs?

The length of time for which a drug will remain detectable in urine depends on the rate of drug excretion in the individual, the quantity and frequency of drug use and the sensitivity and cut-off levels of the testing procedure.

Read more on NSW Health website

Poos and wees

Babies have delicate skin and need their changing soon after they wee or poo. Learn what is normal and how to prevent nappy rash.

Read more on Pregnancy,Birth & Baby website

Kids Health Info : Urine samples

Read more on Royal Children's Hospital website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.