Most people don’t think much about their urine, but its colour can offer quick clues about what’s happening in your body. So if you’ve ever wondered, what colour should urine be?, this is your go-to guide.
We’ll walk you through a urine colour chart, break down what different shades mean (from yellow to brown to orange pee), and show you when it might be a sign to hydrate better or speak to your doctor.
What Does Healthy Urine Colour Look Like?
In most cases, pale yellow is what you're aiming for. Usually, pale yellow urine means that you're hydrated and everything's functioning as it should.
Urine gets its yellow colour from a pigment called urochrome, which is a byproduct of breaking down hemoglobin. The more concentrated your urine is, the darker the colour.
This is your basic urine colour chart:
- Clear: Possibly overhydrated. If you’re constantly peeing clear, you might be drinking more water than your body needs.
- Pale yellow to gold: Healthy hydration range. This is your sweet spot.
- Dark yellow to amber: One of the most common signs of dehydration. Time to drink more water.
- Orange: Could be from dehydration, certain foods, or supplements. In some cases, it could also indicate liver or bile duct issues.
- Brown: Can signal severe dehydration or liver issues, rhabdomyolysis or alkaptonuria. Best to get it checked.
- Pink or red: Can be caused by foods like beetroot or berries. But if food isn’t the cause, it could signal blood in the urine. If you are menstruating, this is normal, but if not, you might need to contact your doctor.
- Blue or green: Rare, but sometimes caused by medication, food dye, or a rare genetic condition. Worth checking if it persists.
Yellow Urine: What It Really Means
Although yellow is the normal urine colour, it's important to know that there’s a range.
- Clear to pale yellow? You’re hydrated.
- Bright neon yellow? That’s often from vitamin B supplements.
- Dark yellow? Your body might be holding onto fluids. Could be from sweating, heat, or not drinking enough.
If you’re seeing dark yellow regularly, it’s worth looking at your hydration routine. Especially if it’s paired with other signs like fatigue, dry mouth or headaches.
What About Orange or Brown Urine?
Orange pee can result from medications like rifampin or high-dose vitamin C. It might also appear if you're mildly dehydrated or have been eating lots of carrots or foods with beta-carotene. If it’s persistent, or you have other symptoms, like discomfort or fatigue, check in with your healthcare provider.
Brown urine is rare, but it’s not something to ignore. Usually, brown urine means you're severely dehydrated, or it may be linked to liver disease. If you suspect the cause is liver-related, you would need to see a doctor to get diagnosed.
Liver Disease Urine Colour
When liver function starts to decline, it can affect the way bile is processed. Instead of moving smoothly through your digestive system, bile may leak into your bloodstream. This change can show up in your urine as a darker shade (often brown) and may also be accompanied by pale stools or yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Urine Colour During Pregnancy
Pregnancy changes a lot in the body, including urine colour.
The pregnancy urine color chart isn’t really different from the general one, but hormonal shifts, prenatal supplements and hydration demands can all influence how your urine looks.
What’s common:
- Bright yellow from vitamin B supplements
- Pale yellow if you're staying hydrated
- Darker yellow if you're dehydrated, especially in the mornings
You may also notice increased frequency and stronger smells due to changes in hormone levels. As always, check with your doctor if anything feels off.
Remember, hydration isn’t just about water; it’s about fluid and minerals together.
Dehydration and Urine Colour: What's the Link?
If your urine is darker than usual, it might be your body signalling dehydration.
When you’re low on fluids, your kidneys conserve water and your pee becomes more concentrated. This is especially common after:
- A sweaty workout
- A long time outdoors on a hot day
- Drinking lots of coffee or tea
- A bout of illness, especially if vomiting or diarrhoea were involved
The takeaway? Hydration isn’t just about quantity — it’s about quality too. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium and magnesium help your body absorb and retain fluids, not just flush them through.
So, What Colour Should Urine Be?
In a perfect world? Pale yellow. It’s the colour of balance. Not too concentrated, not too diluted. Just enough hydration and electrolyte retention to keep your body operating at its best.
Support Healthy Hydration With Electrolytes
Hydration is more than hitting your water target. If your urine is trending dark, or you’re noticing symptoms like headaches, dry mouth or fatigue, it might be time to look at your electrolyte intake.
That’s where Sodii comes in.
Sodii is a purposefully salty hydration mix made with natural ingredients and the key electrolytes your body needs to thrive:
- 1000mg sodium (from West Australian Lake Deborah salt)
- 210mg potassium
- 70mg magnesium
- Zero artificial sweeteners
Whether you’ve had a heavy sweat session, a long day on your feet, or you’re just dialling in your daily hydration, Sodii helps your body hold onto fluid and keep things flowing the way they should.
Try our electrolyte drink today and enjoy purposefully salty hydration.