A Univ. of Nev. Generally the normal number of bowel movements a person may have ranges from 3 per day to one every 3 days. Each person may be slightly different, and this variation is normal. Less than one stool every 3 days may indicate constipation if the stool is dry, hard, and difficult to pass. More than 3 stools per day may indicate diarrhea if the stools are loose or watery.