What is MUAC Tape Used for?

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.

What Age Is the MUAC Tape for 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

What Is the Normal Range for MUAC?

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.

What MUAC Score Indicates Malnutrition?

(How to Interpret a MUAC Tape)

MUAC tape uses three colors to clearly indicate nutritional status:

🔴 Red Zone: Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM)

• 0 – 11.5 cm

• Indicates severe acute malnutrition

• Requires urgent medical and nutritional intervention

🟡 Yellow Zone: Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM)

• 11.5 – 12.5 cm

• Child is malnourished or at risk

• Needs nutritional support and monitoring

🟢 Green Zone: Normal

• 12.5 – 26.5 cm

• Child has a healthy nutritional status

To use the MUAC tape correctly:

1. Wrap the tape around the mid-point of the left upper arm

2. Ensure it is snug but not tight

3. Read the color zone where the tape meets

4. Take action based on the color result

Why MUAC Tape Is Essential in Child Nutrition Screening

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.