How to Interpret MUAC Tape for Malnutrition Screening

October 20, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition is a major public health concern, with MUAC tape being a key tool for rapid screening in community and clinical settings. This essential guide will teach you how to interpret MUAC tape measurements for different populations, including children, adults, and pregnant women.

Quick Summary

Guide on interpreting Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tape for malnutrition screening in various age groups and pregnant women. Explains the color-coded system and specific measurement cut-offs used to assess nutritional status and determine the severity of acute malnutrition.

Key Points

Measurement is Crucial: Accurate MUAC readings depend on correct technique, including proper arm positioning and finding the exact midpoint.
Color Codes for Children: In children aged 6-59 months, the MUAC tape's red, yellow, and green zones indicate severe, moderate, and adequate nutritional status, respectively.
Interpretation Varies by Age: The cut-off points for malnutrition differ significantly between children, adults, and pregnant women.
MUAC Detects Acute Malnutrition: The measurement reflects changes in muscle and fat reserves, making it effective for identifying acute weight loss and risk.
Important for Pregnant Women: MUAC is a reliable tool for screening pregnant women, helping to predict and mitigate the risk of adverse birth outcomes.
Community Health Tool: MUAC tape is highly valuable for community health workers due to its ease of use and effectiveness in identifying at-risk individuals early.

Understanding the Basics of MUAC Tape

Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tape is a simple, color-coded measuring tool used to screen for malnutrition in both children and adults. It is especially valuable in resource-limited settings because it is easy to use, inexpensive, and highly effective for identifying individuals at high risk of morbidity and mortality. The tape measures the circumference of the mid-upper arm, providing a reliable indicator of muscle and fat stores, which are depleted during malnutrition. Correct technique is crucial for accurate results.

The Correct Procedure for Measurement

To ensure an accurate reading, follow these steps:

Position the arm: The person being measured should stand with their left arm bent at a 90-degree angle, with the elbow close to the body.
Locate the midpoint: Find the bony point of the shoulder (acromion) and the tip of the elbow (olecranon). Measure the distance between these two points with a standard measuring tape.
Mark the spot: Mark the exact midpoint of the upper arm with a pen or a finger.
Wrap the MUAC tape: The person should relax their arm and let it hang loosely at their side. Wrap the MUAC tape around the arm at the marked midpoint, ensuring it is snug but not tight.
Take the reading: Read the measurement in the window on the tape where the inward-pointing arrows meet. Note the color code and the precise measurement in millimeters.

Interpreting MUAC for Children (6-59 months)

For children aged 6 to 59 months, the MUAC tape is a primary tool for diagnosing acute malnutrition. The standard tape uses a simple color-coded system to indicate the child's nutritional status. The cut-off points, based on WHO and UNICEF guidelines, are as follows:

Green Zone (≥12.5 cm): Indicates adequate nutritional status. The child is not acutely malnourished.
Yellow Zone (11.5 cm to <12.5 cm): Suggests moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) or a risk of malnutrition. These children require supplementary feeding and regular monitoring.
Red Zone (<11.5 cm): Signals severe acute malnutrition (SAM). This is a critical condition requiring immediate therapeutic feeding and medical treatment.

Interpreting MUAC for Adults

MUAC can also be used to assess the nutritional status of adults, especially during emergencies or when BMI measurement is not feasible. While some adult tapes are not color-coded, specific measurement cut-offs are used for interpretation.

Normal Status (≥22 cm): Suggests adequate nutritional status.
Moderate Malnutrition (18.5 cm to <22 cm): Indicates moderate malnutrition.
Severe Malnutrition (<18.5 cm): Signals severe malnutrition, requiring urgent intervention.

It is important to note that different protocols exist, and clinicians may use slightly different cut-off points based on the context and specific guidelines they follow. For example, the presence of recent weight loss can alter the interpretation of a moderate reading.

Interpreting MUAC for Pregnant Women

During pregnancy, adequate nutrition is vital for both maternal and fetal health. MUAC is a reliable indicator for assessing malnutrition and predicting the risk of adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight. Guidelines for pregnant women vary slightly, but a common approach is:

Green Zone (>23 cm): Indicates good nutritional status.
Yellow Zone (21 cm to 23 cm): Suggests a nutritional risk. These women may require supplementary feeding and nutritional counseling.
Red Zone (<21 cm): Indicates severe malnutrition and a higher risk of complications. These women need immediate nutritional support and closer medical supervision.

Note that different organizations may use specific cut-offs, with some suggesting a threshold of <23 cm to increase sensitivity in identifying risk.

MUAC Interpretation Comparison Table


Target Group	Green Zone (Normal)	Yellow Zone (Moderate/Risk)	Red Zone (Severe)
Children (6-59 months)	$\ge12.5$ cm	$11.5$ cm to $<12.5$ cm	$<11.5$ cm
Adults	$\ge22$ cm	$18.5$ cm to $<22$ cm	$<18.5$ cm
Pregnant Women	$>23$ cm	$21$ cm to $23$ cm	$<21$ cm

Conclusion: The Role of MUAC in Public Health

MUAC tape is more than just a measurement tool; it is a critical instrument in the fight against malnutrition, offering a rapid and effective method for screening vulnerable populations. Its simplicity allows community health workers and caregivers to perform assessments, enabling early detection and intervention. By accurately interpreting MUAC measurements and adhering to established guidelines for different demographics, health programs can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with acute malnutrition. Proper training and consistent use are key to maximizing its effectiveness in improving nutritional outcomes globally. For more information and resources on MUAC guidelines, consider consulting reputable health organizations.

Note: The provided link is an example of an authoritative resource and can be replaced with a specific, context-relevant link if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

A green MUAC reading indicates that the person, whether a child or adult, has an adequate nutritional status and is not considered acutely malnourished according to the standard cut-off points.

A yellow MUAC reading suggests moderate acute malnutrition or nutritional risk. The recommended action is usually supplementary feeding and close monitoring to prevent the condition from worsening.

A red MUAC reading signifies severe acute malnutrition. This requires immediate and urgent intervention, typically involving enrollment in a therapeutic feeding program and medical treatment.

Yes, MUAC tape can be used for adults, especially in situations where measuring BMI is difficult. Specific cut-off points, rather than color codes, are often used to assess nutritional status in adults.

MUAC tape is highly useful in developing countries because it is a low-cost, simple, and non-invasive tool that requires minimal training. This makes it ideal for community-level screening by health workers or caregivers.

Yes, MUAC measurements and cut-off points differ based on the target group. Standard tapes are designed for specific populations, with separate guidelines for children, adults, and pregnant women to account for their distinct physiological needs.

Yes, MUAC tapes are typically made from durable, washable, and non-stretchable materials, like synthetic paper or vinyl, which allows for multiple uses while maintaining accuracy.