MUST Score Calculator - Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool
Calculate the MUST (Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool) score to identify adults at risk of malnutrition in hospital, community, and outpatient settings.
The MUST (Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool) was developed by BAPEN (British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition) and is the most widely validated adult malnutrition screening tool in clinical practice. It is recommended for use in hospitals, care homes, and community settings. MUST combines three independent risk factors - current BMI, recent unplanned weight loss, and the nutritional impact of acute illness - into a single score that guides clinical management. Screening takes under five minutes and requires only weight, height, and a brief clinical history.
Enter either a percentage directly, or enter your previous weight to calculate it automatically.
Is the patient acutely ill AND has had, or is likely to have, no nutritional intake for more than 5 days?
| Total Score | Risk Level | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Low risk | Routine clinical care; repeat screening as per local policy (weekly in hospital, monthly in care home, annually in community). |
| 1 | Medium risk | Observe: document dietary intake for 3 days. If adequate, no further action. If inadequate, clinical concern - consider dietitian referral. |
| ≥ 2 | High risk | Treat: refer to dietitian or nutrition support team. Implement nutritional support plan. Monitor and review weekly in hospital, monthly in community. |
| BMI (kg/m²) | Score |
|---|---|
| > 20 | 0 |
| 18.5 – 20 | 1 |
| < 18.5 | 2 |
| Weight loss (past 3–6 months) | Score |
|---|---|
| < 5% | 0 |
| 5 – 10% | 1 |
| > 10% | 2 |
Source: Elia M (2003). The 'MUST' Report. Nutritional Screening of Adults: A Multidisciplinary Responsibility. Development and Use of the 'Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool' (MUST) for Adults. BAPEN, Redditch. Available at: bapen.org.uk.