Gender differentiation by finger ridge count among South Indian population

Abstract The goal of this study is to determine the gender based on finger ridge count within a well-defined area. Rolled fingerprints were taken from 550 subjects (275 men and 275 women) belonging to South Indian population all within the age range of 18–65 years. Results show that women have a significantly higher ridge count than men. Application of Baye’s theorem suggests that a fingerprint possessing ridge density 14 ridges/25 mm2 are most likely to be of female origin. These results are helpful as a tool for fingerprint experts as they can be used as a presumptive indicator of gender based on the degree of ridge density.