THE FINGERPRINT
CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION
The Henry Classification System with FBI modification
FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION - refers to the formula derived for a
complete set of ten fingerprints or the arrangement of fingerprint
records into groups or subgroups for filing purposes.
K M P S Ss F
C C C C
BLOCKING OUT - identifying the patterns appearing in each box
and labels in it, at the lower portion. Fingerprint patterns are
represented by the following symbols;
A - Plain Arch
T - Tented Arch
W - Plain Whorl
C - Central Pocket Loop Whorl
D - Double Loop Whorl
X - Accidental Whorl
( / \ ) - Ulnar and Radial Loop
FINGER NUMBERS IN THE FINGERPRINT CARD
Finger number 1 - Right Thumb
Finger number 2 - Right Index
Finger number 3 - Right Middle
Finger number 4 - Right Ring
Finger number 5 - Right Little
Finger number 6 - Left Thumb
Finger number 7 - Left Index
Finger number 8 - Left Middle
Finger number 9 - Left Ring
Finger number 10 - Left Little
THE PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION FORMULA
PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION - obtained by summing up or adding all
the numerical value of the whorl type patterns and its composites
that appears in all the ten fingers.
The sum total of which will then be added by a constant number of
one (1). Only whorl type pattern and its composites has a
numerical value while other patterns that will appear are
disregarded, for an exclusive purposes of this classification formula.
NUMERICAL VALUE DISTRIBUTION
IN EVERY FINGER
Finger number 1 & 2 - 16
Finger number 3 & 4 - 8
Finger number 5 & 6 - 4
Finger number 7 & 8 - 2
Finger number 9 & 10 - 1
Note: Numerical Value can only be used if the pattern appearing in
the finger belongs to whorl family.
FINGERS IN THE NUMERATOR AND
DENOMINATOR SIDE
NUMERATORS (even numbers) - are fingers number 2, 4, 6, 8
and 10
DENOMINATORS (uneven numbers) - are fingers number 1, 3, 5,
7 and 9
NOTE: In primary classification, all the fingers appeared in whorl
type pattern in the numerators and denominators will be
summed up plus a constant number of one over one.
Simple mathematical computation will tell us when all
fingers composed of all whorls, the primary
classification will be 32 over 32 (16 + 8 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 31,
plus 1 over 1 = 32)
While in case of no whorl type of pattern will appear in
the ten fingerprints, the primary classification will be 1
over 1.
The following are examples of Primary
Classification
1. Right Thumb 2. Right Index 3. Right Middle 4. Right Ring 5. Right Little
DOUBLE LOOP ULNAR LOOP ACCIDENTAL RADIAL LOOP CENTRAL
WHORL WHORL POCKET LOOP
8
16 WORL 4
6. Left Thumb 7. Left Index 8. Left Middle 9. Left Ring 10. Left Little
ULNAR LOOP PLAIN CENTRAL POCKET TENTED RADIAL
4
ARCH 2 LOOP WHORL ARCH 1 LOOP
0 + 0 + 0 + 2 + 0 + 1 3
PC= =
16 + 8 + 4 + 0 + 0 + 1 29
Finger Finger Finger Finger Finger
1&2 3&4 5&6 7&8 9 & 10
Pre-established
1. Right Thumb 2. Right Index 3. Right Middle 4. Right Ring 5. Right Little
PLAIN ULNAR TENTED RADIAL PLAIN
ARCH LOOP ARCH LOOP ARCH
16 8
4
6. Left Thumb 7. Left Index 8. Left Middle 9. Left Ring 10. Left Little
4 ULNAR PLAIN ULNAR TENTED RADIAL
LOOP ARCH 2 LOOP ARCH 1 LOOP
0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 1 1 TAKE NOTE!
PC= =
0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 1 1
If the pattern is
Finger
1&2
Finger
3&4
Finger
5&6
Finger
7&8
Finger
9 & 10
not WHORL the
value is Zero
Pre-established
1. Right Thumb 2. Right Index 3. Right Middle 4. Right Ring 5. Right Little
ACCIDENTAL CENTRAL DOUBLE LOOP ACCIDENTAL PLAIN
WHORL POCKET LOOP WHORL WHORL WHORL
8 4
16 WHORL
6. Left Thumb 7. Left Index 8. Left Middle 9. Left Ring 10. Left Little
PLAIN CENTRAL DOUBLE LOOP ACCIDENTAL PLAIN
4 WHORL POCKET LOOP WHORL WHORL 1 WHORL
WHORL 2
16 + 8 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 1 32
PC= =
16 + 8 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 1 32
Finger Finger Finger Finger Finger
1&2 3&4 5&6 7&8 9 & 10
Pre-established