The index finger, also known as the pointer finger, is a focal point for various activities.
The length of an average index finger is around 2.94 inches for men and 2.61 inches for women. This measurement is taken from the crease at the base of the finger to the tip.
So I researched it and I will share the details about index finger size both for men and women.
How Long Is the Average Index Finger?
The length of the index finger is one of the commonly discussed topics in modern science because it unfolds many secrets about you.
Also, height, age, and gender can have a huge impact on the index finger, as the National Library of Medicine suggests, men have taller heights and muscular bodies than women.
But, on average women have more extended forefinger than men due to less testosterone hormonal in the uterus.
However, how many inches is an index finger? The average length of an adult human index finger is:
- 2.94 inches (7.46 cm) for men
- 2.61 inches (6.62 cm) for women
And, this leads to multiple factors that your index finger is one of the sensitive but crucial fingers that can impact your physical and mental health.
Factors Affecting Index Finger Length
Your index finger length has more to say about physical and psychological health.
Various studies conclude the surprising fact that your index finger refers to the high level of testosterone hormone exposure when you were in the womb.
Including, according to Wikipedia, the first finger is one of the sensitive and dexterous fingers that tells about your brain health, sexual performance and fitness.
Brain function
HSCNI researchers say people with more extended index fingers than ring fingers have better brain function.
And add that these people perform outstandingly in computer science and verbal memory due to less prenatal testosterone in the uterus.
Physical health
Your physical health can be defined through a short index finger as both genders can do excellent physical jobs and as an athlete.
Oestrogen levels
National Library of Medicine said they found long index fingers in women with the high levels of oestrogen.
Developing Osteoarthritis
Having a short index finger to ring finger fingers might increase the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. But, if it’s equal to or longer than you are safe side.
Liver and gallbladder health
Each of your fingers represents at least one specific body part, and the index finger is connected with the liver and gallbladder health.
Autism
The National Library of Medicine studied autism and reports that boys have higher autism (ASD) diagnosis rates than girls due to fetal testosterone exposure.
And, they confirm that people suffering from autism have commonly smaller Index fingers than ring fingers.
Anxiety
Long pointer fingers are associated with a high risk of depression and anxiety issues in women.
Testosterone hormone levels
Various studies confirm that on average men have a shorter 2D ratio which means in the womb they are less exposed to testosterone hormones.
Read More About : The Average Length of A Pinky Finger
Average Length Of Index Finger For Men, Women, Children
The second digit of your hand’s average length is not fixed to any specific ratio because of hormonal changes in the womb and gender differences.
However, the National Library of Medicine reports that around 60 to 70 is the Average size of your trigger finger, but it can be extended according to your body shape and growth.
Short height can be about 59 on the other side, it could be 88 or longer for taller people.
We compared the index finger with the ring finger to calculate the approximate ratio.
According to our research, it is confirmed that women’s index finger and ring finger are similar in length. Still, men have shorter index fingers comparatively.
Gender | Female | Male |
Left hand index finger length | 66.192 ( in mm) | 74.61 ( in mm ) |
Right hand index finger length | 65.894 ( in mm ) | 74.278 ( in mm ) |
On the other hand, children’s bodies grow rapidly, and their index finger size depends on their age.
According to the study, it is confirmed that babies’ forefinger are only 15mm or less, and it could be shorter if your baby is premature.
Children 1 to 3 years of age have about 20 mm, but if your child is between 3 and 10.
Then there is no specific figure, yet their finger grows up to 30 percent yearly.
Average Length Of Index Finger Across Populations
As per reports, the maximum 2D length for men is 95mm. On the other hand, women have around 85mm.
In addition, SEGi University of Malaysia studied this case on random students with 150 women and men leading to confirm that gender does affect index finger length.
In another study reports that people suffering from CAH have significantly smaller second fingers on both hands.
Additionally, both of your hand’s index fingers may not have similar lengths due to any physical anomalies, it could differentiate the length of both hand’s index fingers.
Measurements Method
With some measurable tools, you can measure the index finger without any trouble at home.
But keep in mind that the best way to find the accurate length is you have to calculate it through Palmer’s side from the midpoint of the bottom crease to the fingertip.
However, you should ensure some points, like cutting the nails and avoiding wearing accessories, as it could lead to false measurements.
Below, I have mentioned the vital steps to measure average index length.
- Mark the proximal crease of the index finger with a pen for exact results.
- Take a Vernier caliper, ruler, or measuring tape and place it on the mark till the fingertip
- Click a picture or note down the finger length on a piece of paper.
Wrap Up
As I mentioned earlier, the length of the index finger varies between men and women. Research indicates the length of an average index finger is about 74.61 millimeters for men and 66.192 millimeters for women.
Men typically have longer index fingers than women, and the length can offer insights into physical and mental health.
Studies show that finger length is connected to brain function, physical ability, hormone levels, and conditions such as autism.
Additionally, children’s index fingers grow rapidly, with variations based on age and development