Procedure in classifying a set of
prints


1. Determine the pattern of each finger of both
thumbs
2. Block the prints by designating the respective
symbols


Blocking is the process of writing below
each pattern the corresponding symbol of the
fingerprint pattern in the space provided in
the card
Count and trace the pattern as applicable
Obtain the primary classification



Summation of the numerical values of the whorl
plus 1/1
Denominator

Total numerical value of fingers in the odd fingers
plus 1

1,3,5,7,9
Numerator

Total numerical value of fingers in the even fingers
plus 1

2,4,6,8,10

Fingers

Numerical Value

1&2

16

3&4

8

5&6

4

7&8

2

9&10

1
Indicate the secondary classification

Represents the type of pattern that appears in:

Index finger symbolized by capital letters

Thumb, middle and ring finger symbolized by small
letters

Numerator-right hand

Denominator-left hand
Capital Letters

A

Plain Arch

T

Tented Arch

R

Radial Loop

U

Ulnar Loop

W

Plain Whorl

C

Central Pocket Loop

X

Accidental Whorl

D

Double Loop
Small Letters

a

Plain arch

t

Tented arch

r

Radial loop
Indicate the Sub-Secondary
Classification



Designation of the ridge count and tracing in the
index, middle and ring finger
In whorl patterns:

I (inner whorl)

M (meeting/meet whorl)

O (outer whorl)
In arch patterns:

Represented by a dash (-)

In loop patterns:

Represented by I (inner) and O (outer)

Index finger
Middle finger
Ring finger

1-9 = I
1-10 = I
1-13 = I

10 above = O 11 above = O
14 above = O
Indicate the major classification


Ridge counting the loops and ridge tracing the
whorls appearing in the thumbs of both hands

Denominator-left thumb

Numerator-right thumb
If whorl patterns appear on both thumbs, use
the symbol for ridge tracing

I (inner whorl)

M(meeting/meet whorl)

O (outer whorl)


If the ridge count for the left thumb is 1-16 apply
the table for both thumb:

1-11 = S

12-16 = M

17 above = L
If the ridge count for the left thumb is above 17,
apply the table for the right thumb:

1-17 = S

18-22 = M

23 above = L

If there is a combination of ridge tracing and
counting applied, they are designated by
respective symbols of SML and IMO
Indicate the Final Classification


The ridge count of the loops and whorls
appearing in both little fingers
Written at the extreme right of the classification
formula

Denominator – left little finger

Numerator – right little finger
Indicate the key classification





Derived by ridge counting the first loop
May come from the right thumb or any other
finger except the little fingers
Written at the extreme left of the classification
formula
If there is no loop, then the first whorl is
treated as an ulnar loop for ridge counting
If there is no loop or whorl, a dash (-) is placed