The Fingers
The standard, (most frequently encountered) finger length is approximately 7/8 the length of the palm. With elation to the palm size the fingers are classified as "normal" (seven-eighths the length of the palm), "long" (longer than seven-eighths the length of the palm), and "short" (shorter than seven-eighths the length of the palm). Long fingers are characterized as intellectual, while short fingers are considered a sign of a more physical person and one who is more emotionally balanced. Beside the length of the fingers, we are told that we need to consider the thickness of the fingers. Fat or rounded fingers are considered more physical, while thin fingers are thought to be more intellectual.
How your fingers measure up against each other is also an important aspect of finger length. A baseline relationship of length of your fingers is given as follows:
The first (or index) finger should optimally reach to one-third up the nail [bed] of the second finger. The third finger optimally reaches to just above the bottom of the nail bed of the second finger. The fourth finger, (pinky) generally reaches just above the topmost knuckle of the third finger. The thumb, (not really a finger), usually reaches higher than the base of the first finger.
None of these above measurements take into account the effects of disabling diseases, such as arthritis. Many people have fingers that are not straight, but veer at the knuckles either to the right or left. Many people cannot open or close their fingers to the full normal range of motion. All of this not withstanding, it is possible to make some of the above mentioned measurements by eye with enough accuracy with only a little practice.
The next chapter will begin with a discussion of the thumb, which, as we have already mentioned, is not a finger.