Did you know that some scientists claim you can determine a man’s masculinity and a woman’s femininity simply by measuring two fingers on your right hand? Give it a try; you might discover something unexpected!

Measure with Precision

Place your right hand on a sheet of paper and trace around it with a pencil. You’ll need to measure the fingers from the contour. First, measure the length of your index finger (the one you usually point with). Then, measure your ring finger (the one where you wear your wedding ring). Measure from the tip of the finger to the first joint. Next, divide the length of the index finger by the length of the ring finger. The resulting number will reveal your true nature, no matter how much you try to hide it.

The Fate of Two Fingers

This seemingly trivial measurement was first explored by psychology professor John Manning from the University of Lancashire in England. Other scientists followed suit, measuring fingers on approximately ten thousand men and women to determine the ratio known as “2D:4D,” which refers to the length of the second (index) finger compared to the fourth (ring) finger. They also inquired about their sexual preferences and personal lives.

The results showed that most men have a longer ring finger than index finger, with a 2D:4D ratio ranging from 0.97 to 0.99. Conversely, women typically have a higher ratio, between 0.99 and 1.1, with their index finger being longer than their ring finger. People whose ratios fall within these ranges predominantly exhibit heterosexual behavior—men are attracted to women and vice versa.

Shorter and Longer

Manning discovered even more intriguing patterns: “female” proportions on male hands and “male” proportions on female hands. According to the professor, men with significantly longer index fingers compared to their ring fingers (determined by precise measurement, not just observation) tend to identify as gay or supportive of gay rights. Similarly, women with notably shorter index fingers are likely to identify as lesbians. Surveys revealed that the greater the difference in finger lengths, the stronger the attraction to same-sex relationships. Among men with a 2D:4D ratio greater than 1.1, many identified as passive homosexuals, while women with a ratio lower than 0.97 were also more likely to be lesbians. People with similar finger lengths (around a 1.0 ratio) were predominantly heterosexual, although they were often open to oral sex and did not find same-sex relationships repulsive. In rare cases, they might consider experimenting, but generally, they lack the desire to do so.

The extremes are quite fascinating. For instance, an excessively long ring finger in men (a ratio below 0.97) can turn them from macho types into active gay men. Likewise, a woman with an unusually long index finger may indicate an active lesbian.

Where Differences Arise

Scientists believe that finger proportions are established in utero around three months into pregnancy. The growth of the index finger is influenced by the male hormone testosterone, while the ring finger is influenced by the female hormone estrogen. A proper hormonal balance yields normal ratios, while imbalances can lead to deviations.

Where does this excess testosterone come from? It’s suggested that it stems from unmet sexual desires of the pregnant woman. So, it would be wise to address those desires from time to time—moderately, of course. Excessive sexual excitement could lead to an increase in estrogen levels, risking the transformation of a future daughter into a passive lesbian and a son into a gentle gay man.

Applying This Knowledge

While scientists measure fingers to study hidden processes in the body that ultimately influence human behavior, for individuals, this “sexual geometry” offers little practical benefit—it’s more of an entertaining curiosity. However, the English method could prove useful in personal lives. Young men might measure fingers to determine whether it’s worth pursuing a particular woman. If she shows little interest in men, you might just be wasting your time. From a “proportional” standpoint, it makes more sense to focus on women with longer index fingers—they’re more likely to reciprocate.

For marriage, women with minimal differences in finger lengths make better partners. A smaller difference might lead to infidelity. Women with equal finger lengths tend to be more faithful but less passionate, and the same applies to men with similar proportions. In other words, you can choose between a fountain of emotions or a peaceful life.

The True Macho

Typically, full-fledged males have a longer ring finger compared to their index finger. The greater the difference (up to certain limits), the more he is driven toward the opposite sex. He exhibits good potency, endurance, and physical strength, and sometimes aggression. Outstanding athletes often have long ring fingers but may suffer from weakened immune systems.

The Sweet Woman

Loving women often have longer index fingers. In particularly passionate individuals, the difference from the ring finger can reach 3 to 4 millimeters. They are sociable and cheerful. High ratios are seen in multi-child mothers and those of lighter sexual behavior. The latter can easily achieve sexual satisfaction and are prone to group sex, but they may also be at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusion

How reliable is this “homo-meter”? It’s still unclear. Researchers themselves acknowledge that to draw definitive conclusions, they would need to measure the fingers of all 6.4 billion people on Earth. Given that this is unlikely, errors cannot be ruled out.

As sexologist Ilya Weissman puts it, “Determining sexual orientation based on finger length is somewhat akin to palmistry—reading palms. Some people believe in it, while others do not. There is no consensus on the overwhelming influence of hormones on personality development. Scientists debate whether biochemistry or social environment plays a more crucial role. In my opinion, a normal environment can correct ‘internal’ imbalances. Thus, a person with ‘incorrect’ fingers can behave normally.”

Interestingly, Chemists and Their Orientation

Recently, researchers at Bath University (UK) published their findings. They studied scientists and found that those in the hard sciences—chemists, physicists, and mathematicians—tended to have a 2D:4D ratio close to or even exceeding 1.0. In contrast, those in the humanities had a ratio around 0.98. The study’s leader, Mark Brosnan, suggests that hormones may influence future scientific orientation. However, following Manning’s measurements, it could be concluded that the sexual orientation of “techies” leans more towards bisexuality or worse, while “humanists” are mostly straight. The first group need not take offense, as both researchers are psychologists, meaning they are also humanists. It’s easier for them to make such conclusions.