Long ring fingers are athletic, but anti-social tendencies...Who has a longer index finger?
Jun 20, 2025
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Researchers from the University of South Australia in Australia and the University of North Dakota in the United States published their findings in the international journal 『American Journal of Human Biology』, titled 『Difference in the Length of Fingerprint and Cardiopulmonary Health』.
The researchers analyzed the results of 22 existing studies on 5,293 people (54% male and 46% female) in 12 countries.
As a result, people with longer ring fingers than index fingers showed better cardiopulmonary endurance.
In other words, people with longer ring fingers than index fingers are more likely to perform better in long-distance exercise and are more likely to have the ability to withstand high exercise intensity longer.
The researchers described "While comparing finger lengths may seem like simple fun, it is actually a biologically reasonable way to predict muscle strength and endurance performance."
If you are curious about your motor skills, you can compare the length of your fingers.
Professor Bethany Gower of the University of South Australia, who participated in the study, explained "If the ring finger is longer compared to the length of the index finger and ring finger, it has a lower 2D:4D ratio, which is likely to be advantageous for endurance exercise."
However, the researchers discovered that `finger length cannot be an absolute indicator of motor ability, and various factors must be considered together," he stressed.
Will finger length affect personality as well as athletic ability?
The findings support previous studies that show that people with longer ring fingers are more likely to have stronger concentration and exercise abilities.
However, the researchers said finger length may also be related to personality and specific behavior patterns.
For example, people with long ring fingers have excellent motor skills, while they are relatively likely to be related to antisocial tendencies, psychotic tendencies, and substance abuse. On the other hand, the researchers explained that people with long index fingers are less aggressive and less resistant to pain, but there is a possibility that the risk of obesity may increase.
In addition, experts disagreed with the argument that the length of the finger raised by some was due to the effects of prenatal hormones.
Professor Grant Tompkinson of the University of South Australia, who led the study, said "Finger length is determined by prenatal hormone exposure", he explained.
He argued that "The more fetal testosterone exposure, the more likely a lower 2D:4D ratio (finger structure with longer ring fingers) is to be formed, which can affect the development of strong body organs and competitive tendencies."
However, some scientists have called for a cautious approach, saying there is insufficient evidence on the link between finger length and fetal hormones.
Dr. Gareth Richards of Newcastle University pointed out that `the hypothesis that finger length is influenced by fetal hormones is still lacking.'
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
