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