Study shows finger length can predict SAT scores

Were you born to be better at math or literacy skills? Take a look at the difference in length between your index and ring fingers - a new study shows that boys with a higher ratio of ring finger to index finger length have a tendency to perform better at math, while girls with a lower ring finger to index finger ratio tend to perform better in literacy tests. Take a look at our Editor's hand here; he's not too happy about these findings!

The results of numeracy and literacy tests for seven-year-old children can be predicted by measuring the length of their fingers, shows new research.

In a study to be published in the British Journal of Psychology, scientists compared the finger lengths of 75 children with their Standardised Assessment Test (SAT) scores.

They found a clear link between a child’s performance in numeracy and literacy tests and the relative lengths of their index (pointing) and ring fingers.

Scientists believe that the link is caused by different levels of the hormones testosterone and oestrogen in the womb – and the effect they have on both brain development and finger length.

“Testosterone has been argued to promote development of the areas of the brain which are often associated with spatial and mathematical skills,” said Dr Mark Brosnan, Head of the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath, who led the study.

“Oestrogen is thought to do the same in the areas of the brain which are often associated with verbal ability.

“Interestingly, these hormones are also thought have a say in the relative lengths of our index and ring fingers.

“We can use measurements of these fingers as a way of gauging the relative exposure to these two hormones in the womb and as we have shown through this study, we can also use them to predict ability in the key areas of numeracy and literacy.”

...continued