Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Scientific Study Reveals Formula For 'World's Funniest Fart'

Scientific Study Reveals Formula For 'World's Funniest Fart'
Scientist Dr. Helen Pilcher reveals the mathematical formula for the world's funniest fart (David Parry/PA)

The “world's funniest fart" has been revealed by scientists in a specially commissioned study.


The Flatulence Report, for The Beano, has worked out a mathematical formula that was tested for 176 different noises ranging from low to high pitch, short to long, dry to wet and from loud to squeaking.

Components in the formula included a fart's intensity, length, social embarrassment and the number of children present divided by the age and gender of whoever hears it.

The funniest fart came out on top in a public vote with a mean score of 8.27 out of 10 – also being described as “unfortunate" and “potentially messy."

Scientist Dr. Helen Pilcher led the research with the help of “Beano boffins" and sound specialists Bose Professional.

She said: “The funniest fart is long, loud and ever so slightly wet. This gives it the potential to cause major social embarrassment.

Fart formulaDr. Pilcher's formula for the funniness of a fart (Taylor Herring/PA)

“The research and our formula show how funny farts are. It's as simple as that.

“Anyone who says they've never farted or found a fart funny has pants that are probably on fire."

Young people in recording studioKatie Downey, 10, and Matti Kolirin, 11, undertake research as voice actor Grant Leat records the world's scientifically funniest fart sound (David Parry/PA)

The study found farts are likely to be found 5% funnier by men than women, with children also finding them 23% funnier than adults.

Young adults in the 18-24 age group were the least amused.

Mike Stirling, editorial director of Beano Studios, said: “We hired some genuine boffins to prove it, by helping us release the funniest fart of all time – you know, for science."

Suuuuuure.

Giphy

More from News/science

Screenshot of Ted Cruz
C-SPAN3

Ted Cruz's Epic Freudian Slip About 'Pedophiles' During Senate Speech Resurfaces—And Oof

Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz was widely mocked for an October video that resurfaced and showed him offering some bipartisan advice during a Senate hearing, only for his advice to go completely off the rails after an awkward "verbal slip" that made him look as if he was defending "pedophiles."

That's really not the best look considering what we know from the latest release of documents related to the Epstein files, which contain information about some of President Donald Trump's former friend and associate Jeffrey Epstein's most high-profile clients and enablers. The late disgraced financier was a convicted pedophile and sex trafficker.

Keep ReadingShow less
Close-up of a man slipping an engagement ring on a woman's finger.
Photo by Andre Jackson on Unsplash

Guys Who Asked For A Parent's Permission To Marry And Got Rejected Share Their Stories

There is a time honred traditon of guys asking the parents of the woman they love for her hand in marriage.

The tradition has dissipated over generations.

Keep ReadingShow less
A man standing in front of a classroom full of students
boy in black hoodie sitting on chair
Photo by Taylor Flowe on Unsplash

People Break Down The Most Unhinged Thing A Teacher Ever Did In The Classroom

A good teacher will leave a lasting impression in our lives.

Though, it would be an accurate statement to say that bad teachers also have the ability to leave lasting impressions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Catherine O’Hara appears at a public event (left) alongside a still of the actor as Cookie Fleck holding her Norwich Terrier, Winky, in Best in Show (right).
Unique Nicole/WireImage; Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection

Westminster Dog Show Honors Catherine O'Hara With Tribute During Norwich Terrier Judging—And We're Sobbing

Catherine O’Hara has been remembered and eulogized for her unforgettable work across film and television—from Home Alone to The Nightmare Before Christmas to Schitt’s Creek. This week, she was honored somewhere unexpectedly perfect: the Westminster Dog Show.

Days after the legendary comedic actress died at age 71, the Westminster Kennel Club paused its 2026 competition to celebrate her iconic role in Best in Show, the beloved Christopher Guest comedy that immortalized the eccentric, campiest of camp world of competitive dog shows.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kid Rock's Lyrics About Liking Underage Girls Resurface After He's Set To Headline Alternative Halftime Show
Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

Kid Rock's Lyrics About Liking Underage Girls Resurface After He's Set To Headline Alternative Halftime Show

You've probably heard that conservatives are having a meltdown because—gasp!—PUERTO RICAN star Bad Bunny is headlining the Super Bowl halftime show. Won't someone think of the children?!

Well, the sociopaths at Turning Point USA apparently have, though not in the way conservatives are usually caterwauling about.

Keep ReadingShow less