How a random error in age can over estimate severe malnutrition and under estimate severe and moderate malnutrition combined?**

Short Abstract: The role of random error in age on estimate of malnutrition measured by anthropometric indicators of nutritional status for young children is not clear. This study demonstrates statistically and empirically that random error can over estimate severe malnutrition and at the same time it can underestimate severe and moderate malnutrition combined. But this depends on the level of malnutrition in the population. If malnutrition in the population is less than 50%, random error in age overestimates malnutrition; if it is more than 50%, it underestimates malnutrition; and if it is 50%, there will be no effect. Both bias and random error in age deserve attention in estimating malnutrition for young children using anthropometric indices.

**This tiny paper (having only 10 pages with statistical derivation, figures and references) is ready for submission, if needed.