Urine colour chart
Pick the closest shade to see what it might mean. Colour gives you one clue alongside how you feel and how often you pee.
Choose the closest shade
Bathroom lighting, toilet water and screens can change how a shade looks.
- 1. Very pale straw
- 2. Pale yellow
- 3. Yellow
- 4. Deep yellow
- 5. Amber
- 6. Dark amber
- 7. Brown-orange
- 8. Dark brown
1–2 Pale shades. Pale yellow is common when you’re getting enough fluid. Clear urine can follow a recent drink. There’s no need to aim for completely clear urine.
3–4 Compare it with your usual colour. Yellow can be normal, especially first thing in the morning. Think about whether you’re thirsty, how often you’ve peed and whether you’ve been exercising or out in the heat.
5–6 This can be a sign of dehydration. Darker yellow urine, a strong smell, thirst or peeing less often can be signs of dehydration. Follow any fluid limit you’ve been given. See the NHS advice below if you’re worried or you’re peeing less than usual.
7–8 An unusual colour may need medical advice. Foods, vitamins and medicines can change urine colour. Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you think there may be blood in your urine.
When to get help
Ask for medical advice if the colour changes and stays unusual, it hurts to pee, you have a fever or you feel unwell. Get urgent advice from a GP or NHS 111 if you think there may be blood in your urine, even if you’re unsure.
Follow your own medical advice if you have a prescribed fluid limit or a condition, pregnancy or medicines that affect your fluid needs.