A MUAC tape (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference tape), also known as a Shakir tape, is a simple and effective tool used to screen children for malnutrition. It is widely adopted by healthcare workers, NGOs, and humanitarian organizations for rapid nutritional assessment, especially in low-resource or emergency settings.
MUAC tape measures the circumference of a child’s upper arm and uses color-coded zones to instantly indicate nutritional status. According to UNICEF and WHO guidelines, MUAC screening is one of the most reliable methods for identifying acute malnutrition in young children.
MUAC tape is specifically designed for children aged 6 to 59 months (approximately 6 months to 5 years old).
This age group is most vulnerable to acute malnutrition, and MUAC measurement has been proven to be:
Quick – takes only seconds
Non-invasive – no scales or height boards required
Accurate – effective even when age or weight is unknown
Because of its simplicity, MUAC tape is commonly used in:
Community health programs
Pediatric clinics
Nutrition surveys
Emergency and refugee settings
The normal MUAC range for children (6–59 months) is defined by internationally recognized cut-off points.
For a 26.5 cm MUAC tape, the color-coded ranges are:
Green (12.5 – 26.5 cm)
👉 Normal nutritional status
The child is well-nourished and does not require immediate intervention.
This green zone allows health workers to quickly identify children who are not at risk and focus resources on those who need urgent care.
MUAC tape uses three colors to clearly indicate nutritional status:
0 – 11.5 cm
Indicates severe acute malnutrition
Requires urgent medical and nutritional intervention
11.5 – 12.5 cm
Child is malnourished or at risk
Needs nutritional support and monitoring
12.5 – 26.5 cm
Child has a healthy nutritional status
To use the MUAC tape correctly:
Wrap the tape around the mid-point of the left upper arm
Ensure it is snug but not tight
Read the color zone where the tape meets
Take action based on the color result
MUAC tapes are trusted worldwide because they:
Align with UNICEF / WHO guidelines
Require minimal training
Are ideal for field use and mass screening
Provide instant, visual results
For organizations involved in child health, nutrition programs, or humanitarian aid, MUAC tape is an indispensable screening tool for early detection and prevention of malnutrition.