Henry Fingerprint Classification System

To further subdivide records with the same primary classification according to the fundamental patterns on the index fingers.

The right index finger, position 2, and the left index finger, position 7.

A for plain arch, T for tented arch, R for radial loop, U for ulnar loop, and W for whorl, subject to the classification convention used.

The right index finger, position 2.

The left index finger, position 7.

A/A.

U/W.

R/T.

A traditional subdivision of secondary classification using designated lowercase symbols for qualifying patterns on specified fingers.

To subdivide ten-print records further using ridge counts or ridge tracing designations on selected fingers.

The index, middle, and ring fingers of each hand: positions 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, and 9.

Ridge counts converted into classification groups according to the applicable system.

Ridge tracing designations converted into classification groups according to the applicable system.

Inner, meeting, and outer, commonly represented by I, M, and O.

The numerical boundaries assigned to classification groups depend on the finger position and the adopted classification rules.

To further subdivide records using ridge counts or whorl tracing information from the thumbs.

The right thumb, position 1, and the left thumb, position 6.

Their ridge counts are assigned to the applicable major classification subdivisions.

Their ridge tracing designations are used according to the major classification rules.

A subdivision generally based on the ridge count of the right little finger when it has a qualifying loop.

The right little finger, position 5.

The final classification entry is generally omitted under the traditional convention.

The ridge count of the first qualifying loop encountered when examining the fingers in numerical order.

No. Key classification uses the first qualifying loop ridge count.

Key classification uses the first qualifying loop in finger order, while final classification ordinarily uses the right little finger's loop ridge count.

Positions 1 through 10, beginning with the right thumb and ending with the left little finger.

A friction ridge that terminates within the observed ridge pattern.

A point at which one friction ridge divides into two branches.

A short friction ridge segment that does not connect to adjacent ridges.

A ridge formation that divides and subsequently rejoins, creating an enclosed area.

A short branch projecting from a longer friction ridge.

A short ridge connecting two otherwise separate friction ridges.

A configuration in which ridge paths intersect or form a crossing-like arrangement.

A very short isolated ridge, sometimes appearing as a small elongated feature.

An opening of an eccrine sweat duct on the friction ridge surface.

Overall ridge flow and general pattern configuration.

Individual ridge paths and minutiae such as ridge endings and bifurcations.

Fine ridge features such as pore locations, ridge edge shapes, and other microscopic details.

A single feature provides limited discriminatory information and must be evaluated within the overall ridge detail.

A friction ridge impression not readily visible without suitable lighting, processing, or enhancement.

A visible friction ridge impression produced by transfer of a substance such as ink, blood, or dirt.

A three-dimensional friction ridge impression formed in a soft or deformable material.

17/17.

2/2, because each qualifying whorl contributes a value of 1 to its respective side before adding 1.

32/1.

1/32.

10/26, because even positions contribute 8 plus 1 plus the added 1, while odd positions contribute 16 plus 8 plus the added 1.

A/U.

13, assuming the ridge count is correctly determined under the adopted classification rules.

17.