What Causes Floating Stools?
Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.
Floating stools are primarily caused by excess gas or fat in your bowel movements. Gas can become trapped in stool due to swallowing too much air, eating gas-producing foods like beans or carbonated drinks, or digestive disorders. Fat malabsorption, called steatorrhea, occurs when your body can't properly digest fats, often due to conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or pancreatic insufficiency. Occasional floating stools are common and usually are not a cause for concern, especially when there are no other symptoms. However, stools that remain greasy or unusually foul-smelling may indicate a digestive problem. Contact a healthcare professional if these changes persist or occur with symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, jaundice, blood in the stool, significant abdominal pain, or ongoing diarrhea.
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