12 Facts About Farting You Probably Didn’t Know

1. It’s Natural

Farting (also known as flatulence) is a normal and necessary process in the human body. The average person passes gas 14–20 times a day, but this number can vary depending on diet and digestion. The gas is produced as a byproduct when bacteria in the intestines break down food.

2. It’s Mostly Odorless

Most of the gas in a fart is made up of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and sometimes methane—all of which are odorless. However, the small amount of sulfur compounds (like hydrogen sulfide) is what causes the unpleasant smell. The more sulfur-rich foods you eat (like eggs, meat, and certain vegetables), the smellier the gas can be.

3. Everyone Does It

Farting is universal—every living creature with a digestive system releases gas. Cows, dogs, elephants, and even some species of fish fart. In fact, cows produce large amounts of methane gas due to their digestive process, which contributes to greenhouse gases.

4. Speed of a Fart

Farts exit the body at approximately 10 feet per second (11 km/h). This speed is influenced by the pressure in the intestines and the way the gas is released through the anal sphincter. The sensation of a quick burst of air is due to this relatively fast release.

5. What It’s Made Of

Farts consist of a mix of gases, mainly:

• Nitrogen (N₂) – The most abundant gas, making up about 78% of the air we breathe.
• Oxygen (O₂) – Some oxygen is swallowed when eating and drinking.
• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) – Produced during digestion.
• Methane (CH₄) and Hydrogen (H₂) – These gases can make farts flammable.

6. Silent but Deadly

Louder farts are often less smelly because they contain more air and less sulfur gases. On the other hand, silent farts usually travel slower and have a higher concentration of hydrogen sulfide, making them smellier.

7. Why You Fart More on Planes

When flying at high altitudes, cabin pressure drops, which causes gases in the body to expand. This process, known as gas expansion, leads to more frequent farting. Airlines are aware of this phenomenon, and airplane seats are even designed with materials that can help absorb odors.

8. Holding It In

If you hold in a fart, it doesn’t just disappear—it stays in your intestines, causing bloating, discomfort, and cramps. Eventually, the gas will find a way out, either as a fart later or absorbed into the bloodstream and released through the breath.

9. The Health Connection

Eating a diet rich in fiber (like beans, vegetables, and whole grains) promotes a healthy digestive system, but also produces more gas. While excessive gas can sometimes indicate digestive issues, in general, farting is a sign that your gut bacteria are doing their job in breaking down food.

10. The Loudness Factor

The sound of a fart depends on:

• The tightness of the anal sphincter – A looser sphincter can create a deeper, quieter sound, while a tighter one can cause a high-pitched fart.
• The amount of gas pressure – More pressure leads to a louder noise.
• The shape and position of the rectum – The way the gas is released can change how loud it sounds.

11. Farts Are Flammable

Because farts contain methane and hydrogen, they are technically flammable. This means that under certain conditions, a fart can be ignited. However, this is dangerous and not recommended! Some people have experimented with this, but the risk of burns is serious.

12. Women Fart Too

There’s a common myth that men fart more than women, but scientific studies show that women fart just as much—if not more. Women may produce gas with a higher concentration of odor-causing gases due to differences in gut bacteria and diet.

Final Thought

Farting is a normal and healthy function of the body. While it can sometimes be embarrassing, it’s a sign that your digestive system is working properly. Eating fiber-rich foods, staying hydrated, and maintaining a balanced diet can help regulate gas production.