The determination of the consistency (condition) can be done both in situ and in the laboratory. In the case of the in-situ test, the condition of a cohesive type of soil is to be determined as follows:

1. A type of soil is called “very soft, if it runs through the fingers while being pressed together in a fist;

2. Soft, if it can be kneaded easily;

3. Firm, if, although it is hard to be kneaded, it can be rolled out to 0.12 in (3 mm) thick rolls in the hand without ripping or crumbling away in the process;

4. Stiff, if, although it is ripped and crumbles away in the process of being formed into 0.12 in (3 mm) thick rolls, it is still wet enough to be formed into a lump again;

5. Solid, if it is dried out and, normally, is light in colour. It can no longer be kneaded, but only be broken apart. The individual broken bits can no longer be formed into a lump again.“ 

[DINENISO14688:2001]