Lesson 3
Fingerprint Patterns
and Interpretation
Types of Patterns
Fingerprints may be resolved by three large groups of configuration of
patterns, each group bearing the same general characteristics or family
resemblance. The configuration of every pattern could be further divided into
sub-groups through smaller differences existing between the patterns in the
same general group. These divisions are as follows:
I. Arch II. Loop III. Whorl
a. Plain arch a. Radial loop a. Plain Whorl
b. Tented arch b. Ulnar loop b. Central pocket
loop whorl
c. Double loop whorl
d. Accidental whorl
Types of Patterns
Arches (5%)
The ridges form a simple,
smooth curve from one side to
the other without any
significant upward or
downward thrust in the center.
Usually, a type of fingerprint
pattern which ridges enter
upon one side and makes a
rise strokes or wave in the
center and flow out upon the
opposite side
Symbol : “A”
Types of Patterns
Arches
A tented arch, as the
name suggests, has a
more pronounced
upward thrust in the
center, resembling a
tent-like shape.
It possesses an
upthrust that is like
similar of the
characteristics of a
Take note:
In terms of Ridge counting,
the Arches are patterns
without ridge count
Types of Patterns
Loops (60%)
Elements of Loop Patterns
1.) Delta
2.) Core
3.)Sufficient Recurve
4.) Atleast one ridge count
Types of Patterns
Loops (60%)
the ridges flow in
the direction of
the ulna bone
(pinky finger
side) of the
hand.
Types of Patterns
Loops (60%)
The ridges flow
in the direction
of the radius
bone (thumb
side) of the
hand.
Ulnar Loop
Types of Patterns
Whorl (35%)
Whorl patterns are the most complex and
common type of fingerprint pattern. They
have circular or spiral ridges that typically
form a circular or oval shape
Basic Elements of Whorl Pattern
Two (2) or more Delta’s
Atleast one (1) Complete
Circulating Ridge
Types of Whorl Pattern
Plain Whorl (W)
Central Pocket Loop Whorl (C)
Double Loop Whorl (D)
Accidental Whorl (X)
Plain Whorl
Atleast one
circulating ridge
that touched or
crossed by the
imaginary line
traversing between
the two delta.
The red line is
stand for the
imaginary line.
If that imaginary
crossed or
touched the
recurving ridge
between the 2
delta in the
inner line or
pattern area, the
Central Pocket Loop Whorl
This subtype
has a loop
pattern in the
center with a
whorl pattern
surrounding it.
No circulating
ridge within the
pattern area is
touches or
crossed by the
imaginary line
between two
deltas.
Double Loop Whorl
A double loop
consists of two
separate loop
formations.
Two separate and
distinct shoulder
Two Deltas
Consist of two
separate loop
formation
Accidental Whorl
Accidental whorls do not
fit into the standard
categories and may
display characteristics
of multiple patterns.
Combination of two
different patterns with the
exception of Plain arch
It has two Deltas