MODULE 5

FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION FORMULA

Overview
Fingerprint classification is an important step in any fingerprint identification system because it
significantly reduces the time taken in identification of fingerprints specially where the accuracy and
speed are critical. Classification allows an input fingerprint to be matched against only by a subset of a
database and is critical in speeding-up fingerprint identification. Conversely, classification is not enough
to identify a fingerprint; it is useful in deciding when two fingerprints do not match. To reduce the
search and space complexity, a systematic partitioning of the database into different classes is highly
essential.

LESSONS
 Primary Division
 Secondary Division
 Sub-Secondary Division
 Major Division
 Final Key Division
Learning Objectives
1. Recognize the procedure or steps in finding out the different fingerprint
classification division.
2. Apply the skills through finding out their own fingerprint classification divisions.
Fingerprint Classification Formula:
1. Blocking-out – is the process if placing under each pattern the letter symbols
representing their pattern interpretation prior to the actual classification formula.
2. Classification Formula = is the result of the evaluation and interpretation of the ten
(10) fingerprints applying the principle of ridge counting, ridge tracing.
A. PRIMARY DIVISION. Always represented by a numerical value assigned to whorl
patterns depending on what finger they appear.
Arch and Loop are non-numerical patterns. A, T, / \ = Zero (0)
Whorl patterns.(WCDX)
(16) Finger 1 and 2 Right Thumb and Right Index
(8) Finger 3 and 4 Right middle and Right Ring
(4) Finger 5 and 6 Right little and Left Thumb
(2) Finger 7 and 8 Left Index and Left middle
 (1) Finger 9 and 10 Left Ring and Left Little The sum of the numerical
value assigned to even number of finger represent the numerator and the sum of the assigned
value to odd number represent the denominator Plus the pre-established fraction of l/1 to
complete the primary.
B. SECONDARY – Represented by Capital and small letter combination based on
interpretation made during the blocking.
Capital letter – derived from the index fingers which can be
(A, T, U, R, W, C, D or X).
Small letter – derived from the thumb, middle, ring and little fingers.
It only includes the radial loop (r), plain arch (a) and tented arch (t).

C. SUB-SECONDARY DIVISION – derived by ridge counting of loop and ridge

Tracing of whorl found at the index, middle ring fingers only.
C.1. Ridge counting of Loop
Index Middle Ring
1 to 9 = I 1 to 10 = I 1 to 13 = I
10 or more =O 11 or more = O 14 or more = O

c.2 Ridge Tracing of Whorl

Inner Whorl (I) When the tracing goes above or inside the right delta and there are three (3) or
more intervening ridges.
Outer Whorl (O) when the tracing ridge goes below or outside the right delta and there are
three (3) or more intervening ridges.
Meeting Whorl (M) when there are only two or less intervening ridge/s
c.3 Plain Arch and Tented Arch are always dash (-)

D. MAJOR DIVISION (Taken from Thumb fingers only)

 d.1 Whorl = Ridge tracing = I, O, or M.
d.2 Loop = Ridge Counting = S, M or L
Left Thumb Right Thumb
1 to 11 = S 1 to 11 = S
12 to 16 = M 12 to 16 = M
17 or more = L
17 or more = L 1 to 17 = S
18 to 22 = M
d r more
=L

d.3 Arch = dash (-)

E. FINAL DIVISION (derived from the little fingers only).
e.1 Loop and Whorl are both subject to ridge counting.
Radial or Ulnar = the usual process.
Plain or Central pocket loop Whorl = will be treated as an ulnar loop.
Double loop Whorl – get the ridge count of the top loop
Accidental Whorl = get the least ridge count.
e.2 Arch = dash (-)
F. KEY DIVISION = derived by getting the ridge count of the first (l) loop except the little
fingers. In the absence of the loop, the first whorl will be ridge counted for the purpose.