The Henry Classification System
The Henry Classification System is a long-standing method by
which fingerprints are sorted by physiological characteristics for oneto-many searching. The Henry Classification System allows for logical
categorization of ten-print fingerprint records into primary groupings
based on fingerprint pattern types. This is what a
ten-print fingerprint card looks like.
This system reduces the effort necessary to search
large numbers of fingerprint records by
classifying fingerprint records according to gross
physiological characteristics. Such as fingerprint
patterns known as loops, whorls and arches.
As seen in the table below, each finger is numbered from one to ten
beginning from the right thumb, numbered one, and ending with the left
pinky, numbered ten. Depending on the presence or absence of the whorl
pattern, each finger is assigned a value.
If a whorl pattern is present on fingers number one and two they are
assigned a value of 16, three and four a value of 8, five and six a value
of 4, seven and eight a value of 2, and the last two, nine and ten, a value
of 1.
If loops and arches are present, they are given the value of 0. Then the
odd numbered fingers and even numbered fingers values are summed
separately. To the total value of each, odd and even, the value 1 is
added. The sum of odd finger value + 1 is divided by the sum of even
finger value +1, which gives the fraction that represents the primary group
ratio. The table below (Jane’s Fingerprints), we see whorl patterns on
the right index finger, right ring finger, left index finger, and left
pinky. Jane would have a 3:26 (or 3/26) grouping ratio, it is NOT a
fraction, do NOT reduce it