Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)
Assesses the mid-upper arm circumference of children aged 3 to 60 months against the WHO Child Growth Standards, and applies the WHO/UNICEF cut-offs for acute malnutrition.
Sex
months
3 to 60 months. Decimals are fine (e.g. 14.5).
cm
In centimetres. If you measured in millimetres, divide by 10 (115 mm = 11.5 cm).
z-score (arm circumference-for-age)
Enter sex, age and arm circumference to see the result.
How to measure
With the left arm relaxed and hanging at the side, find the midpoint between the acromion (shoulder) and the olecranon (elbow), measured with the elbow bent at 90°. Measure the circumference at that point with a non-stretch tape, snug but not compressing the skin, and record to the nearest 0.1 cm.