MUAC Calculator - Mid-Upper Arm Circumference Screening
Calculate MUAC nutritional status for children 6–59 months using WHO cut-offs. Identify SAM, MAM, and normal status instantly.
MUAC (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference) is the standard field screening tool for acute malnutrition - it requires no weight or height, making it practical for community-level surveys and outreach. The tape is placed at the midpoint of the upper arm (between the tip of the shoulder and the elbow) with the arm hanging relaxed at the side. Cut-offs differ between children under 5 and pregnant or lactating women.
Reference cut-offs
| Population | MUAC | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Children 6–59 months | ≥ 125 mm | Normal |
| Children 6–59 months | 115–124 mm | Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) |
| Children 6–59 months | < 115 mm | Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) |
| Pregnant / lactating women | ≥ 230 mm | Normal |
| Pregnant / lactating women | 185–229 mm | At risk of malnutrition |
| Pregnant / lactating women | < 185 mm | Severe risk - refer for support |
Source: WHO (2009). WHO Child Growth Standards and the Identification of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Infants and Children. UNICEF/WHO Joint Statement. Geneva.