Fingerprint

Pattern
Interpretation

Created as a supplement
to Chapter 8 of
Fingerprint Identification
All rights reserved
Copyright 2004
William Leo

Basic Fingerprint
Patterns
Loop 60-65%
Whorl 30-35%
Arch 5%

LOOPS
TWO TYPES
ULNAR
RADIAL

ALL LOOPS HAVE A DELTA, A CORE,

AND A RIDGE COUNT ACROSS A
LOOPING RIDGE

DELTA
The point on a ridge at or in front of the
point where the type lines separate or
diverge.

Type Lines

Loop Ridge Counting

Ulnar Loop on right hand

or right slope loop

Radial Loop on right hand

or left slope loop

Whorls
All whorls have at least two deltas and a
recurve in front of each delta.
Four types of whorls
Plain Whorl
Central Pocket Loop Whorl
Double Loop Whorl
Accidental Whorl

Plain Whorl

Central Pocket Loop Whorl

Double Loop Whorl

Accidental Whorl

Whorl Tracing
Starting from the left delta drop one ridge and
follow it to the right delta. If a ridge ends drop to
next ridge and continue. Stop at the closest
point to the right delta.
Inner Tracing
Three or more ridges inside the right delta

Meeting Tracing
Meeting the right delta or two ridges either side of the
delta.

Outer Tracing
Three or more ridges outside the right delta

Inner Whorl Tracing

Meet Whorl Tracing

Outer Whorl Tracing

Arches
Two Types:
Plain Arch
Tented Arch

Plain Arch

Tented Arch