Squat toilet

A squat toilet (also known as a squatting toilet, Indian toilet or Turkish toilet) is a toilet used by squatting, rather than sitting. There are several types of squat toilets, but they all consist essentially of toilet pan or bowl at floor level. Such a toilet pan is also called a "squatting pan". The only exception is a "pedestal" squat toilet, which is of the same height as a sitting toilet. It is in theory also possible to squat over sitting toilets, but this requires extra care to prevent accidents as they are not designed for squatting.

A squat toilet may use a water seal and therefore be a flush toilet, or it can be without a water seal and therefore be a dry toilet. The term "squat" only refers to the defecation posture and not any other aspects of toilet technology, such as whether it is water flushed or not.

Terminology

Squat toilets are fixed in-ground commodes which require the individual to squat on bent knees. In contrary to a pedestal or a sitting toilet the opening level is located with the ground. Squat toilets are sometimes called "eastern style toilets" because they can be found in various countries including Japan, China, India and the Middle East. In contrast, sitting toilets are often referred to as "western style toilets".