Urine Colour Chart: What Different Colours Can Indicate

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.

Urine: common colours and meanings

Pale straw to light yellow usually reflects good hydration, while darker yellow or amber can indicate concentrated urine from mild dehydration. Bright neon yellow often follows B‑complex vitamins. Pink or red urine can come from foods such as beets or from blood (hematuria). Brown or tea‑coloured urine may result from certain foods, medications, or liver-related pigments. Green or blue urine is uncommon and often related to dyes or specific drugs. Cloudy urine can signal infection, crystals, or excess protein.

Kidney: when colour suggests kidney issues

Colours alone can’t diagnose kidney disease, but some patterns warrant attention. Persistent dark brown urine or red urine with no dietary cause can indicate bleeding from the urinary tract, which may originate in the kidneys or bladder. Protein loss from damaged kidneys can sometimes make urine frothy. If abnormal colour is accompanied by pain, swelling, foamy urine, high blood pressure, or reduced urine output, evaluation of kidney function and urine testing is appropriate to rule out stones, infection, or glomerular disease.

Health: hydration, diet, and medication effects

Hydration is the most common factor affecting urine colour: dilute urine appears pale and concentrated urine looks darker. Many foods and supplements change hue; for example, beet ingestion can cause pink urine in some people, and riboflavin (vitamin B2) commonly produces bright yellow. Several medications and over‑the‑counter agents also alter colour. When assessing urine colour for health, consider recent meals, supplements, and medications before assuming a medical problem. Persistent or unexplained changes merit clinical review.

Medical: tests and when to see a clinician

Clinicians use urinalysis (dipstick), microscopic examination, urine culture, and quantitative protein measurements to investigate abnormal urine findings. Dipstick tests detect blood, protein, bilirubin, nitrites, and leukocyte esterase; microscopy reveals cells, crystals, or casts. Imaging or referral to nephrology/urology may follow when bleeding, persistent proteinuria, recurrent infections, or impaired kidney function are suspected. Seek medical care for unexplained red or brown urine, severe pain, fever, reduced output, or signs of systemic illness.

Protein: foamy urine and proteinuria signs

Protein in urine (proteinuria) sometimes produces persistent foam or froth after voiding, distinct from a brief bubbleiness caused by rapid stream or soaps. Proteinuria can be transient (from fever, exercise, or dehydration) or persistent due to conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or glomerular disease. A single dipstick test can screen for protein; abnormal results typically prompt repeat testing and quantification with a urine albumin-to-creatinine or protein-to-creatinine ratio to assess severity and guide further evaluation.

Conclusion

A urine colour chart is a practical first step for noticing changes that could reflect hydration status, dietary or medication effects, or potential medical issues involving the urinary system or kidneys. Colour alone rarely gives a definitive diagnosis; consider recent exposures and accompanying symptoms. Persistent, unexplained, or concerning changes in urine appearance should prompt appropriate medical testing and clinician assessment.