Fingerprint Classification

MG16
All the fingerprints are patent on their respective position
on the fingerprint card. And the process of inserting
information such as appropriate numbers, letters, and
symbols onto the card is known as blocking the card
FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION
• refers to the assigning of classification to the entire set of prints for
the purpose of filing and searching them.
Six (6) Divisions of Fingerprint Classification:
1. Primary Classification
2. Secondary
3. Sub Secondary
4. Final
5. Major
6. Key Key Major Primary Secondary Sub-second Final
ary
6 5 1 2 3 4
 SYMBOLS
Plain Whorl (W)
Central Pocket Loop (C )
Double Loop (D)
Accidental Whorl (X)
Plain Arch (A)
Tented Arch (T)
1. PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT

• This classification was given by Sir Edward Richard Henry.

• This classification is also known as 10 Digit Classification.
• This classification is used for maintaining the record of each
and every criminal.
 PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
• To arrive at the Primary classification, the first step will be dividing
the patterns into numeral and non numerical patterns.
• Numerical Patterns: Whorls and Composites
• Non-Numerical Patterns: Arches and Loops
• (If the pattern identified comes under the numerical pattern group
then the value assigned will be taken into account otherwise taken as
“0”)
Primary Classification – is the sum total of all numerical value patterns in
a set
of fingers plus a fraction of one over one (1/1). WCDX – with value patterns.

Five (5) Steps in Obtaining the Primary Classification:

1. Pairing off – Fingers are paired as follows: RT & RI; RM & RR; RL
& LT; LI & LM; LR & LL.
2. Assigning of Numbers (values) – 16 for RT & RI; 8 for RM & RR; 4
for RL & LT; 2 for LI & LM; and 1 for LR & LL.
3. Designating the numerator and denominator – NUMERATOR –
RI, RR, LT, LM, & LL; DENOMINATOR – RT, RM, RL, LI & LR.
4. Blocking
5. Summing up
PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
Assign a number to each finger. The number starts from right thumb to left little
finger.

RT 1 RI 2 RM 3 RR 4 RL 5

LT 6 LI 7 LM 8 LR 9 LL10
PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT

❖ Pairing of two fingers and assigning the numerical values to

the patterns.

RT RI RM RR RL
16 16 8 8 4
LT LI LM LR LL
4 2 2 1 1
PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
❖ Formula for Primary Classification
❖ P.C.= sum of even no. of finger (s) + 1
sum of odd no. of finger (s) + 1
❖ P.C.= 2 + 4 + 6+ 8 + 10 + 1
1 + 3 + 5+ 7+ 9 + 1
PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
❖ For example: We have the following patter (s)
and their assigned numerical value(s)

1 2 3 4 5
W (16) L (0) A (0) L (0) W (4)
6 7 8 9 10
W (4) L (0) A (0) L (0) L (0)
 PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT

P.C.= Numerator 2 (0)+ 4(0) + 6(4)+ 8(0)+ 10 (0)+ 1

Denominator 1 (16)+ 3(0) + 5(4)+ 7(0)+ 9 (0)+ 1

= 0+ 0 + 4+ 0 + 0 + 1
16 + 0 + 4+ 0+ 0+ 1
PC= 5
21
Sample Exercise
Finger no's 1 2 and 3 are radial loops nos 4 5 and 6 are
plain whorl, and no's 7 and 8 are tented arches, while
no's 9 and 10 are accidental whorls. What is the primary
classification?
Solution
1 2 3 4 5
/ (16) / (0) / (0) W (8) W (4)
6 7 8 9 10
W (4) T (0) T (0) X (1) X(1)
P.C.= Sum of even nos. of finger (s)
Sum of odd nos. of finger (s)

P.C.= 0+8+4+0+1+1
0+0+4+0+1+1

P.C.=14
6
 PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT

P.C.= Numerator 2 (16)+ 4(8) + 6(4)+ 8(2)+ 10 (1)+ 1

Denominator 1 (16)+ 3(8) + 5(4)+ 7(2)+ 9 (1)+ 1

= 16+ 8 + 4+ 2 + 1 + 1
16 + 8 + 4+ 2+ 1+ 1
PC= 32
32 Maximum Value: 32/32 Minimum Value: 1/1
If the primary classification is 5 over 13 what
fingers are involved?
If the primary classification is 5 over 13 what
fingers are involved?

RT RI RM RR RL
16 16 8 8 4
LT LI LM LR LL
4 2 2 1 1
If the primary classification is 5 over 13 what
fingers are involved?

RT RI RM RR RL
16 16 8 8 4
LT LI LM LR LL
4 2 2 1 1
Finger number 3, 5,and 6
If your primary classification is 13 over 9 the
fingers involved are:
If your primary classification is 13 over 9 the
fingers involved are:

Finger Nr. 4,6, and 3

 2. SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
• It subdivides large group of
classification of fingerprint
• In this, the patterns which appear on
index finger of both right and left
hand are considered.
• It consists of capital letter symbols
for patterns of two index fingers
• The right index finger symbol should
be taken at numerator and the left
one at denominator
 SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
• The Secondary is composed of the pattern
types present in the index fingers (2 and 7).
• The number two finger is used as the
numerator and the number seven finger is
used as the denominator.
• The Secondary is brought up to the
classification line to the right of the primary.

• Small Letter Group

• Prints with an arch (a), tented arch (t) or
radial loop (r) in any finger except the index
fingers constitute the Small Letter Group of
the secondary classification. Small letters
consist of a, t, and r only. (rat)
SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
• Small letters are brought up to the classification in their
respective relative positions to the index finger (2 and 7) when
appearing in fingers 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10.

• All small letters must be indicated in the classification formula.

• Dashes (-) are used in the classification formula to indicate an

ulnar loop or a whorl intervening between the index finger
and the first small letter, or between two small letters.

• When 2 or more small letter patterns of the same type appear

together, they are indicated as: 2a, 3a, 2t, 3t, 2r, or 3r.
SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT

W W \ D X W X / \ A
W D / / X D \ \ C T

W Xr-a
D Rr-t
SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT

W T a A t t W r T a
a U \ R r r C r R r

T2at tWrta
aU3r rW3r
SUB-SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
1. When plain arches and tented arches are found in any index,
middle, and ring fingers such patterns shall be only represented by
dashes on the classification line.
2. When loops appear in any of index, middle and ring fingers the
table of conversion of loops (ridge count) shall be employed as
follows: Finger Ridge Count Conversion
Index 1-9 Inner(i)
10-+ Outer (O)
Middle 1-10 Inner(i)
11-+ Outer (O)
Ring 1-13 Inner(i)
14-+ Outer (O)
SUB-SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
3. When whorl and other pattern belonging to the family of whorl appear in any of the
index, middle, and ring fingers the ridge tracing of such pattern constitute the
sub-secondary classification.

Note. Only the index, middle and ring fingers composed the sub secondary classification.

1-9 1-10 1-13 W 8 14 13 T

/ \ /
i i i
10+ 11+ 14+ C 10 10 15 D
o o o / / /

IOI
OIO
If finger numbers 2,3,4 are ulnar loops and with a
ridge count of 17 and finger number 7 is ulnar
loop and with 10 ridge count while finger
number,8,and 9 are tented arch, what is the Sub
secondary classification?
If finger numbers 2,3,4 are ulnar loops and with a
ridge count of 17 and finger number 7 is ulnar
loop and with 10 ridge count while finger
number,8,and 9 are tented arch, what is the Sub
secondary classification?

OOO/O--
FINAL CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
• Is the ridge count of the Loops or whorls in both little fingers expressed in
numbers. The right little is used as the numerator and the left little as the
denominator and both are placed at the extreme right of the classification line.

10 13
/ 10
\ 13
12 T -
\
12

W
__
R17 17
FINAL CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
• This formula will be accomplished through the ridge count of the loop pattern of the
right and left little fingers. The final classification is placed at the extreme right of the
classification formula.

• This classification has the following rules:

• Rule #1 – Fingers involved are the little fingers of both hands and the
classification is exclusively for a loop pattern only and the number of the ridge
count is constant.

r-21
U-11

Final Classification = 21 over 11

FINAL CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
• Rule #2 – If the right finger is not a loop but the left little finger is a
loop, the ridge count of the left finger will be written on the
denominator part.

A
r-11
Final Classification = -_
11
FINAL CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
• Rule #3 – If both little fingers are not loops, look for the first whorl
and this will be treated as an ulnar loop for counting and for
classification purposes only. But, you can only use the whorl as the
first loop if the primary classification is 32/32. If it is not, then you
do not have a final classification.
C-O=7 W - I = 18 D - O = 18 X-M=6 W-O=7
W-I=8 D - O = 18 W - I = 11 C-O=7 D-I=8

Final Classification = 7_
FINAL CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
• In tracing the whole using an ulnar loop for the right hand, the tracing shall
start at the right delta going to the left delta, then count the ridges above the
left delta.

RIGHT HAND
FINAL CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
• For the left hand whorl, start ridge tracing from the left delta
going to the right delta, then count the ridges above the right
delta.

LEFT HAND
 MAJOR CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
❖ It is similar to the sub secondary classification but it only
refers to the thumb.
❖ RULES:
1. Both hands are of loop pattern:
a. If the ridge count of left thumb is 16 or less. Both thumbs are:
1-11 = Small (S)
12-16 = Medium (M)
17 and over = Large (L)

b. If the ridge count of the left thumb is 17 or more:

Right Thumb Left Thumb

1-17 = Small (S) 1-11 = Small (S)
18-22 = Medium (M) 12-16= Medium (M)
12-+= Large (L) 17-+= Large (L)
MAJOR CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
❖ Whorl pattern on either or both hands+ the ridge tracing (IMO) will
constitute the major classification

❖ Examples:
❖ Rule No. 1-a:

10 12
\ \
14 15
/ \

S M
M M
MAJOR CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
❖ Whorl pattern on either or both hands+ the ridge tracing (IMO) will
constitute the major classification
❖ Examples:
❖ Rule No. 1-B:

15\ 25
\
17 19
\ \

S L
L L
If the right thumb is a loop and with 17 ridge counts and
the left thumb is a loop and with 22 ridge count, what is
the major classification?
If the right thumb is a loop and with 17 ridge counts and
the left thumb is a loop and with 22 ridge count, what is
the major classification?

Small /Large
If your right thumb is 15 and your left thumb is
17 what is the major division?
If your right thumb is 15 and your left thumb is 17
what is the major division?

Small over Large

Key Classification of Fingerprint
KEY CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
❖ Is the ridge count of the first loop pattern from the right thumb to the right ring
and from the left thumb to the left ring, excluding both little fingers.

w d t 10 11 w c d x 15
\ / 10 14
12 w c a q a t c 14 w
/ \

❖ If there is no such loop, the key is the result of the ridge count of the first whorl
treating such as ulnar loop for counting purposes only. The key is placed at the extreme
left of the classification formula in line with the numerator.
Classification of Fingers Missing at Birth
and Amputations
1. If one finger is amputated, it is given a classification identical with
that of the opposite finger, including pattern and ridge count, or
tracing and referenced to every other possible classification.
2. If two or more fingers are amputated, they are given
classifications identical with the fingers opposite, with no
additional references.
3. If two amputated fingers are opposite each other, both are given
the classification of whorls with meeting tracings.
Therefore, if all 10 fingers are amputated or missing at birth, the
classification will be
EXERCISES
Finger Nos. 1-3 are plain whorl, 4 and 5 are ulnar Loops
with a ridge count of 13,14,15, 16 and 17 respectively;
Finger nos. 6-7 are tented arch, 8 is a radial loop and
9-10 are accidental whorl with a ridge count of
10,11,12,13 and 14.

Apply the 6 Classifications of Fingerprint

College of Criminal Justice Education

QUIZ
 College of Criminal Justice Education

1. If the right thumb is a loop and has 17 count

and the left thumb has 22 counts, the rest of the
fingers are whorl, what is the primary
classification?
 College of Criminal Justice Education

2. If the right thumb is a loop and has ridge

count of 17 and the left thumb has 22 counts,
what is the MAJOR CLASSIFICATION?
 College of Criminal Justice Education

3. If finger number 2,3,4 are ulnar loops and with

a ridge count of 17,17,18 and finger number 7 is
ulnar loop and with 10 ridge count while finger
number,8,and 9 are tented arch, what is the Sub
secondary classification?
 College of Criminal Justice Education

5 POINTS EACH CLASSIFICATION

❖ Finger Nos. 1,3 and 5 are plain whorl, 2 and 4 are ulnar Loops
with a ridge count of 12,14,16,18 and 17 respectively;
Finger nos. 6,9,10 are double loop, 7 and 8 is a radial loop with a
ridge count of 18,17,15,16 and 14.

Determine the Final, Key and Secondary Classification

 College of Criminal Justice Education

ANSWER KEY

❖ 1. 28 over 16
❖ 2. Small over Large
❖ 3. OOO/O--

❖ fINAL 16/15
❖ Key 18
 College of Criminal Justice Education

FILING SYSTEM

Fingerprint File - refers to an orderly arrangement

of collection of cards containing recorded finger
impression of different individual that have been
classified.
 College of Criminal Justice Education

FILING SYSTEM

Purpose - to enable the technician to locate more

easily