WHZ Calculator - Weight-for-Height Z-Score (Wasting)
Calculate weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) to assess acute malnutrition (wasting) in children 0–60 months using WHO Child Growth Standards.
Weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) measures acute malnutrition (wasting) by comparing a child’s weight to the expected weight for their height, independent of age. It uses WHO 2006 Child Growth Standards and is the clinical reference indicator for wasting in children from birth to 5 years. Heights below 85 cm are measured lying down (recumbent length); 85 cm and above are measured standing. Enter measurements in the fields below - the calculator applies sex-specific LMS reference values and the WHO z-score formula.
| WHZ | Classification | Action |
|---|---|---|
| < −3 | Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) - severely wasted | Refer for therapeutic feeding (RUTF / inpatient) |
| −3 to < −2 | Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) - moderately wasted | Enrol in supplementary feeding programme |
| −2 to +3 | Normal weight-for-height | Routine monitoring |
| > +3 | Overweight / obese risk | Dietary and lifestyle counselling |
Source: WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study Group (2006). WHO Child Growth Standards: Length/height-for-age, weight-for-age, weight-for-length, weight-for-height and body mass index-for-age. Geneva: World Health Organization.