The Various Fingerprint Types

WHORL: The Whorl takes the longest to form in the womb. It consists of one or more ridges which make or tend to make a complete circle and it has a characteristic circle or bulls-eye look to it. The circle closes completely. The Whorl can be found in several variations, see the ones with the red center showing how the circle can be different from one Whorl to the next. Probably 35% of all fingerprints are Whorls.

Subcategory : A Composite WHORL or Composite consists of two separate loop formations, with two separate and distinct sets of Looping actions.

Subcategory : The Peacock is a cross between a Loop and a Whorl. It is like a Loop that has a small Whorl in the center.

LOOP is that type of pattern that looks like a balloon coming in from one side or the other. In 80% of the Loops, they come from the Ulnar side (the Little Finger). In 20% of the Loops they come from the thumb or Radial side. Probably 60% of all fingerprint are Loops.

The other 5% or so of fingerprints are divided among arches, tented arches and all the rest of the variations. If you have any of these, they are considered “kinda rare.”

TENTED ARCH is that type of pattern which possesses either an angle, an up thrust, or two of the three basic characteristics of the arch. It looks exactly like an upside down T with a simple arch across the top of it.

ARCH is that type of pattern in which the ridges enter upon one side, make a rise or wave in the center, and flow or tend to flow out upon the opposite side. This is the simplest pattern, yet so elegant.

Of course, there are sooo many combinations and it all sounds so easy the way I have written it here…trust me, the minute you look at a few hands you will be stumped at some of the amazing combination fingerprints you see.