Fingerprint Patterns

Fingerprint Patterns

Fingerprints are differentiated by the patterns that are formed in the print. There are three main types of patterns found on fingerprints.

The most common type of fingerprint pattern is the loop. Around 60-70 percent of fingers have this pattern. Loops are broken down into two categories: radial loops and ulnar loops. Radial loops angle towards the thumb, and ulnar loops angle towards the little finger.



The second most common fingerprint pattern is the whorl. Whorls can be identified as one of four types: Plain Whorl, Central Pocket Loop, Accidental Whorl, and Double Loop. Whorls are formed from at least two deltas, and the categories listed are based on loops found in the pattern how the loops relate to the delta patterns.



 The third and final type of fingerprint pattern is the arch. Only 5 percent of fingers have this pattern. Arches fall into one of two categories: Plain Arch and Tented Arch. Tented arches have an upthrust or upward angle that has a sharp peak. Plain arches do not have this sharp angle.


Identifying Fingerprint Patterns

Using blue ink and the paper shown above, we gathered the fingerprint for each of our fingers and identified them using the above classifications. My thumbs were radial loops, and my other fingers all had central pocket loops.