What do finger proportions have to do with your fitness potential? New study

What does the length of your fingers say about your endurance and athletic performance?

By Steph Green Published August 29, 2025 12:06 PM

hands — Fauxels / Pexels

Many people say having longer legs helps you run faster and cover larger strides and longer distances. At first glance, it seems some people look more athletic than others. Many judge fitness potential and factors like speed and strength based on the size of muscles or the length of legs. So, when I heard about a study where researchers were looking at the proportions and sizes of fingers in relation to fitness potential, I was certainly, shall we say, intrigued.

Previous interesting research reveals that in basketball or handball, the longer the finger length, the better the accuracy of the shot or throw. The researchers highlighted the importance of finishing shots or throws with the wrists and fingers. In another interesting study, researchers explored the relationship between finger proportions and fitness potential.

Finger proportions and fitness potential

In a meta-analysis of 22 studies published in the American Journal of Human Biology, the researchers wanted to answer the following question: What does the length of your ring finger say about your athletic abilities? The meta-analysis involved over 5,293 individuals from 12 countries.

The results

The researchers concluded that individuals with ring fingers longer than their pointer fingers may be more athletic and better equipped to handle longer distances and endurance cardio, such as rowing and running. Those with ring fingers that are longer than their index fingers (2D to 4D ratio) overall had superior endurance capacity and athletic performance.

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The ratio between your pointer finger (second digit) and your ring finger (fourth digit) is referred to as the digit ratio, which is associated with testosterone exposure in the womb. Researchers believe that this testosterone exposure may be a factor contributing to the differences in endurance and cardiorespiratory fitness.

The takeaway

This is certainly an interesting idea that warrants further exploration. Even so, if you’re concerned about your finger proportions, keep in mind that there are plenty of other factors involved in fitness potential, and this definitely isn’t a sole reliable indicator. Also, your athletic performance takes a lot more than just biology and genetics; it takes work to reach your true potential, no matter your finger size.

Steph Green is a content writer specializing in healthcare, wellness, and nutrition. With over ten years of experience, she…

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