Standard MUAC Cutoff Reference Table (Children 6–59 Months)
| Color Zone | MUAC Reading | Nutritional Classification | Required Protocol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | < 115 mm (< 11.5 cm) | Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) | Urgent referral for Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) or inpatient stabilization |
| Yellow | 115 – 124 mm (11.5 – 12.4 cm) | Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) | Targeted Supplementary Feeding Programme (TSFP / RUSF) & counseling |
| Green | ≥ 125 mm (≥ 12.5 cm) | Normal / Well-nourished | Routine community health monitoring; maternal infant feeding education |
| Oedema (+/++) | Any measurement | Severe Acute Malnutrition (Kwashiorkor) | Immediate clinical triage regardless of green/yellow tape measurement |
How to Measure MUAC Correctly
- Select the non-dominant arm (usually the left arm):Ensure the child is relaxed, sitting or standing comfortably with their sleeve rolled up past the shoulder.
- Locate the midpoint of the upper arm:Bend the child’s elbow at a 90-degree angle. Measure the distance between the tip of the shoulder (acromion) and the elbow point (olecranon), then mark the exact midpoint.
- Wrap the tape around the midpoint:Straighten the arm so it hangs loosely. Wrap the color-coded tape gently around the arm at the marked midpoint. Ensure the tape is flat and snug against the skin without pinching or pulling tight.
- Read the window and check both feet for swelling:Record the measurement in millimetres and observe the color band. Press gently with both thumbs on the tops of both feet for 3 seconds to confirm there is no nutritional oedema.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MUAC cutoff for severe acute malnutrition (SAM)?
According to WHO and UNICEF standards, a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of less than 115 mm (11.5 cm) in children aged 6 to 59 months indicates Severe Acute Malnutrition (Red Zone), which requires urgent medical referral and therapeutic feeding.
What does the yellow zone (115 mm to 124 mm) mean on a MUAC tape?
The yellow zone indicates Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM). Children in this range are at increased risk of progressing to severe acute malnutrition and should be enrolled in supplementary feeding programs (RUSF).
Why does bilateral oedema override the MUAC measurement?
Bilateral pitting oedema (fluid swelling in both feet or legs) is the classic sign of kwashiorkor. Even if a child's arm measurement falls in the green zone, bilateral oedema is diagnostic of severe acute malnutrition and requires immediate hospital admission.
Help Treat Children Identified with SAM
HopePlates funds transparent shipments of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) sachets and clinic follow-ups for children admitted under these criteria. Track all disbursements on our blockchain ledger.