1. Procedure in classifying a set of prints
1. Determine the pattern of each finger of both thumbs
2. Block the prints by designating the respective symbols
Blocking is the process of writing below each pattern the corresponding symbol of the fingerprint pattern in the space provided in the card
Count and trace the pattern as applicable

2. Obtain the primary classification
Summation of the numerical values of the whorl plus 1/1
Denominator
Total numerical value of fingers in the odd fingers plus 1
1,3,5,7,9
Numerator
Total numerical value of fingers in the even fingers plus 1
2,4,6,8,10

3. Fingers
1&2
3&4
5&6
7&8
9&10
Numerical Value 16 8 4 2 1

4. Indicate the secondary classification
Represents the type of pattern that appears in:
Index finger symbolized by capital letters
Thumb, middle and ring finger symbolized by small letters
Numerator-right hand
Denominator-left hand

5. Capital Letters A T R U W C X D Plain Arch Tented Arch Radial Loop
Ulnar Loop
Plain Whorl
Central Pocket Loop
Accidental Whorl
Double Loop

6. Small Letters a t r
Plain arch
Tented arch
Radial loop

7. Indicate the Sub-Secondary Classification
Designation of the ridge count and tracing in the index, middle and ring finger
In whorl patterns:
I (inner whorl)‏
M (meeting/meet whorl)‏
O (outer whorl)‏
In arch patterns:
Represented by a dash (-)‏

8. Index finger Middle finger Ring finger 1-9 = I 1-10 = I 1-13 = I
In loop patterns:
Represented by I (inner) and O (outer)‏
Index finger Middle finger Ring finger
1-9 = I = I = I
10 above = O 11 above = O 14 above = O

9. Indicate the major classification
Ridge counting the loops and ridge tracing the whorls appearing in the thumbs of both hands
Denominator-left thumb
Numerator-right thumb
If whorl patterns appear on both thumbs, use the symbol for ridge tracing
I (inner whorl)‏
M(meeting/meet whorl)‏
O (outer whorl)‏

10. If the ridge count for the left thumb is 1-16 apply the table for both thumb:
17 above = L
If the ridge count for the left thumb is above 17, apply the table for the right thumb:
1-17 = S
18-22 = M
23 above = L

11. If there is a combination of ridge tracing and counting applied, they are designated by respective symbols of SML and IMO

12. Indicate the Final Classification
The ridge count of the loops and whorls appearing in both little fingers
Written at the extreme right of the classification formula
Denominator – left little finger
Numerator – right little finger

13. Indicate the key classification
Derived by ridge counting the first loop
May come from the right thumb or any other finger except the little fingers
Written at the extreme left of the classification formula
If there is no loop, then the first whorl is treated as an ulnar loop for ridge counting
If there is no loop or whorl, a dash (-) is placed