Table for major divisions of loops:
| Left thumb denominator | Right thumb numerator |
| 1 to 11, inclusive, S (small) | { 1 to 11, inclusive, S (small). { 12 to 16, inclusive, M (medium). { 17 or more ridges, L (large). |
| 12 to 16, inclusive, M (medium) | { 1 to 11, inclusive, S (small). { 12 to 16, inclusive, M (medium). { 17 or more ridges, L (large). |
| 17 or more ridges, L (large) | { 1 to 17, inclusive, S (small). { 18 to 22, inclusive, M (medium). { 23 or more ridges, L (large). |
The fingerprint card appearing in figure 352 shows a major division of L over L, which is obtained by counting the ridges (24 in the right thumb and 18 in the left thumb) which, according to the table, is translated into L in both thumbs.
The final: It is, of course, desirable to have a definite sequence or order of filing the prints within the subdivided groups. This order is attained through the use of the final, which is based upon the ridge count of the loop in the right little finger. It is indicated at the extreme right of the numerator in the classification. Note figure 352. If a loop does not appear in the right little finger, a loop in the left little finger may be used. It is then indicated at the extreme right of the denominator (fig. 353). If no loops appear in the little fingers, a whorl may be used to obtain a final, counting from left delta to core if in the right hand and from right delta to core if in the left hand. If there are two or more cores (usually applies to accidental whorls), the ridge count is made from left delta (right hand) or right delta (left hand) to the core which is the least number of ridges distant from that delta. An exception is made in the case of the double loop. The double loop is counted from the delta to the core of the upright loop. Where loops of a double loop are horizontal, the nearest core is used. Should both little fingers be a or t, no final is used. The use of a whorl in a little finger for a final is required only in connection with a large group or collection of prints, such as the 32 over 32 primary.
[Fig. 352]
![[Enlarge]](#2873848932677661140_fig352a.jpg.id-4460250406463706503.wrap-0.html.html){kind=link}
The key: The key is obtained by counting the ridges of the first loop appearing on the fingerprint card (beginning with the right thumb), exclusive of the little fingers which are never considered for the key as they are reserved for the final. The key, no matter where found, is always placed to the extreme left of the numerator of the classification formula (fig. 353).
[Fig. 353]