Those with long fingers tend to have a major advantage

Perhaps your hands mean more than you think. An annual Russian study has revealed an interesting correlation between finger length and how much money one earns. 

The Higher School of Economics study from Moscow, Russia, examined the relationship between the length of the ring and the index fingers in 700 men and 900 women. Starting from the thumb, the ring finger is the fourth digit over (4D), and the index finger is the second (2D). 

A lower ring-to-index ratio – in other words, the smaller the difference in length, is said to positively correlate to the person’s exposure to testosterone before birth. 

Can finger length indicate your wealth?

The study’s researchers measured the length of each participant’s ring and index finger with an electronic caliper as well as took note of their income and financial status.

“The results of the regression analysis showed a negative correlation between the income and 2D:4D ratios of women,” the study said. In other words, higher-income female participants in the study showed a smaller difference in the length of their ring and index fingers. 

Both the ring and index fingers were very close to the same length. 

“What is interesting is that this quantitative association is seen in men as well, though only after taking into account respondents’ level of education,” the study added. 

The study’s authors noted that the finger length ratio in males suggests the need for further research into a broader range of topics beyond just wealth, including academic success. 

The results also suggest that higher exposure to testosterone in the womb is positively correlated with higher wages. 

The effect of finger length

This is not the first time that finger length has been studied alongside financial and career success. 

More than 10 years ago, Cambridge researchers in England found that men with longer ring fingers, compared to their index fingers, were more successful in London’s hectic financial district. 

Research has also shown that adolescent boys with longer fingers performed better at competitive sports like basketball and even soccer (where the use of hands is not permitted, except by the goalie), due to a possible link to muscular strength. 

“Our study shows that boys with lower digit ratios have better handgrip strength, irrespective of their age or body size,” the study’s lead author said. 

In fact, this study suggests that finger length may predict how you act in a relationship. “Researchers have found that if your ring finger is on the shorter side, you’re more likely to be faithful to your partner.”