What is a healthy arm circumference for your age and sex?
Compare your arm size to 21,645 adults. Useful for frame size, muscle mass, and nutritional screening.
Where You Rank
What This Means
Arm circumference correlates with frame size and overall body mass. Adults over 65 with MUAC below 22 cm are at elevated risk for malnutrition.
How to Measure
- Stand relaxed with arm at your side
- Measure at the midpoint between shoulder and elbow
- Use a flexible, non-stretchable tape
- Record to nearest 0.1 cm
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions
What is the average arm circumference by age and gender?
Average arm circumference is 32-36 cm for men and 28-32 cm for women, with peak values in young adulthood and gradual decline with age.
What is mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)?
MUAC is a simple measure of nutritional status. In adults, MUAC below 22 cm suggests malnutrition, 22-24 cm borderline, and above 24 cm normal.
References
Peer-reviewed sources behind this calculator
- Bishop CW, Bowen PE, Ritchey SJ (1981). American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Norms for nutritional assessment of American adults by upper arm anthropometry. doi:10.1093/ajcn/34.11.2530
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021). NHANES 2011-2018. Body Measures (BMX) Data Documentation.
- Tang AM, et al. (2013). Field Exchange. Use of mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) in adults: technical guidance note.
Show all 4 references
- Ferro-Luzzi A, James WPT (1996). European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Adult malnutrition: simple assessment techniques for use in emergencies.
Methodology
Data: NHANES 2011-2023 BMXARMC. MUAC thresholds: <22 cm high risk, 22-24 cm moderate, >24 cm low (for 65+).
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only.