Finger length is an age-old way to determine physical qualities and personality traits by measuring the lengths of different digits of the hand. 

It is sometimes called “finger-printing” or “finger measurements” which can be used to gauge physical or psychological traits. This is a non-invasive, easy way of understanding a person without any high-tech medical equipment.

The History of Finger Length Determinations

Finger length has been used as a method of analyzing physical traits such as identifying geographic origin or social class since ancient times, such as the Babylonian Empire and classical Greece. The practice of measuring finger lengths has been popular for centuries, and is a common practice among many cultures around the world.

In more recent times, the “finger method”, as the practice is more popularly known, is used to determine the personality of an individual. In the late 19th century, the practice was popularized by French psychiatrist Alfred Binet, who created a “finger formula” which measured the lengths of each finger, allowing a simple psychological interpretation. As the century progressed, finger length determinations began to be used to assess aspects of a person’s behavior such as aggression, creativity and patience.

Finger Length: The Basics

Identifying Finger Length Categories

Finger length is typically divided into three different groups or “categories”.

  1. Short fingers: Fingers measuring less than two inches in length (or 5cm) are considered short. These kinds of fingers are more common in Asians, Africans and Australians.

  2. Medium fingers: Fingers measuring between two and three inches in length (or 5-8cm) are considered of medium length. These kinds of fingers are more common in Caucasians.

  3. Long fingers: Fingers measuring more than three inches in length (or 8cm) are considered long. These kinds of fingers are more typical of people of Middle Eastern pre-historic or culture.

How Finger Length is Measured

The length of each finger is measured starting from the upper knuckle. Measurement should be done at a 90 degree angle to accurately calculate the length. For example, a person with an index finger measuring 3 inches would be categorized as having long fingers.

The Correlation Between Finger Length and Physical Southality

Finger length has been linked to physical characteristics such as height, weight, and intelligence. This is because finger length is believed to be indicative of hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and growth hormones.

Longer ring fingers have been associated with higher testosterone levels in study after study. Longer index fingers have been associated with a smaller size, as well as due to factors like length of time spent in utero.

Shorter index fingers have been associated with higher intelligence and greater physical strength. This may be because shorter index fingers are indicative of greater amounts of estrogen, the female sex hormone, in the system.

The Correlation Between Finger Length and Personality Traits

Studying the lengths of the index and ring fingers can give an idea of how likely a person is to possess certain traits or behavior.

  1. Longer Index Finger: Longer index fingers are linked to higher levels of communication and sociability, as well as being artistic or creative. People with longer index fingers may also be more likely to enjoy leadership, organization and strategy.

  2. Longer Ring Fingers: Longer ring fingers are typically associated with greater determination and ambition, as well as physical strength. People with longer ring fingers may have a more aggressive nature and have difficulty controlling their impulses.

  3. Equal Index and Ring Fingers: People with index and ring fingers of equal length are believed to have balanced personalities, not overly prone to aggression, but relatively outgoing and sociable.

In conclusion, finger length has been used for centuries to measure physical traits, and is a good indication of certain personality traits and behavior. By studying the lengths of index and ring fingers, one can get a good idea of an individual’s likelihood of behaving or reacting in a certain way in certain situations. This should give an idea of how to better deal with people on a personal level.