1- Qalilah: If the blood is not absorbed in the cotton (inserted in the vagina) and remains on the surface.
2- Mutawassitah: If the blood is absorbed in the cotton, even if it is only a small part of it, but does not penetrate all the way to the bottom of the napkin or cotton or any such thing used for sanitation during periods.
3- Kathirah: If blood penetrates the cotton completely and is absorbed right to the bottom of the cotton.