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Updated: May 19, 2026
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Estimation of Contact Regions Between Hands and Objects During Human Multi-Digit Grasping
Published on: April 21, 2023
Functional hand proportion is approximated by the Fibonacci series
K W-Q Choo1, W-K Quah, G-H Chang
1Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Folia Morphologica
|September 1, 2012
Summary
Human hand proportions align with the Fibonacci series, challenging previous assumptions. This study used hand flexion creases to define functional axes, revealing a close approximation to the Fibonacci sequence in hand joint ratios.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Biometrics
- Anthropometry
Background:
- The relationship between human hand proportions and the Fibonacci series is debated.
- Defining functional proportion in the hand has been a significant challenge.
- Previous research has not definitively established a link between hand anatomy and the Fibonacci sequence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the relationship between functional human hand proportion and the Fibonacci series.
- To use hand flexion creases as anatomical surrogates for joint rotation axes.
- To determine if hand proportions approximate the Fibonacci ratio.
Main Methods:
- Obtained standardized photocopies of palmar hand views from 100 healthy male volunteers.
- Defined functional axes using distal digital crease (DIPJ), proximal digital crease (PIPJ), and metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) midpoints.
- Measured and compared ratios of hand segments (p3:p2:p1) to the theoretical Fibonacci ratio (1:1:2).
Main Results:
- The combined p3:p2:p1 ratio across all digits was 1:0.98:2.01.
- Individual digit ratios closely approximated the Fibonacci sequence.
- p2:p3 ratios ranged from 0.80 ± 0.08 to 1.10 ± 0.10.
- p1:p2 ratios ranged from 1.89 ± 0.16 to 2.09 ± 0.24.
Conclusions:
- Functional human hand proportion, defined by flexion creases, approximates the Fibonacci series.
- This study provides evidence supporting a mathematical relationship in hand anatomy.
- The findings offer a new perspective on hand biomechanics and proportion.
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