Can your ring finger really reveal how far you can run? Scientists think so – 1v1 Video Chat & LIve Streaming & Influencer Subscription

By Jessica Downey

Tom’s Guide

Search Tom’s Guide

View Profile

Newsletters

Best Picks

Entertainment

Prime Day Deals
Switch 2 Restock

Galaxy Z Fold 7
Wordle Today

Best Mattress
Best laptops

You may like

12-year study reveals the type of exercise that makes you live longer — it’s not cardio

Forget running and swimming — study finds this sport adds 10 years to your life

I wore my Oura Ring vs Apple Watch 10 to track my steps for a week — and this device was way off

This ratio between the lengths of the second digit, the index finger, and the fourth digit, the ring finger, is known as the digit ratio.

So, what does your finger length have to do with fitness? This digit ratio is linked to prenatal testosterone exposure, which scientists believe may help explain differences in cardiorespiratory fitness and endurance. In other words, the length of your fingers might hint at how well your body handles long workouts like running, cycling, rowing, or team sports.
If news of this study has left you feeling more inspired to lace up, make sure you’re supported with one of the best running shoes for the job.

SauconyHurricane 24: was $160 now $129 at Amazon
The Hurricane 24 is a super comfortable, well-cushioned running shoe that works brilliantly as a daily trainer. It also has a wide base and supportive midsole, making it a solid choice for runners who want extra stability. Buy today and save $31!

What does this study mean for you and your fitness?
If you are currently looking down at your hand and having an existential crisis about your fitness abilities according to the shortness of your ring finger, fret not. While the results may relay some truth, there are potential flaws to the study.

Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbox.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
For one, your digit ratio can actually change over time, so the measurements taken in adulthood might not truly reflect what was happening in the womb. So while it’s an intriguing idea, your fingers aren’t exactly a crystal ball for your athletic potential.
It’s also worth remembering that biology isn’t the whole story. Just because someone may be naturally built for harder and longer forms of exercise, that doesn’t mean they’ll reach their potential without putting in the work.
On the flip side, people who train consistently, follow a plan and keep challenging themselves can build up far greater endurance than you might expect.
A longer ring finger might give you a slight edge, but dedication and good training habits, along with tools like the best running apps, will always take you further. Or at least that’s what I’m telling myself as someone with a shorter ring finger!
More from Tom’s Guide

No jumping — this joint-friendly, low-impact workout uses a pair of light dumbbells to build full-body strength in 6 moves
Over 60? Forget running and swimming — these 5 bodyweight exercises help strengthen your entire body, using just a chair
Forget the gym — build full-body strength with this equipment-free 15-minute workout

Jessica Downey

Social Links Navigation
Senior Fitness Writer

Jessica has been a fitness writer at Tom’s Guide since 2023, bringing three years of experience writing about health, fitness, and the great outdoors. Her passion for exercise began during her childhood, where she spent weekends hiking and competing in local athletics club events. After earning a master’s degree in journalism from Cardiff University, Jessica found the perfect way to combine her love of storytelling and fitness into a career.
Jessica is passionate about testing fitness gear and tech, using her reviews to help readers make informed buying decisions. She ran her first marathon in April 2024, finishing it in 3 hours and 48 minutes. Through her training, she’s developed a deep understanding of what it takes to grow as a runner, from effective workouts and recovery techniques to selecting the right gear for every challenge.
When she’s not at her desk, Jessica enjoys spending time in the kitchen crafting new recipes, braving cold water swims and hiking.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

12-year study reveals the type of exercise that makes you live longer — it’s not cardio

Forget running and swimming — study finds this sport adds 10 years to your life

I wore my Oura Ring vs Apple Watch 10 to track my steps for a week — and this device was way off

Think you’re tough? Arnold Schwarzenegger has 4 fitness tests that might just predict your ‘expiration date’

Two pictures side by side of woman (left) sitting up wearing Whoop sleep tracker on wrist in bed with amber bedding. Man (right)

I “Jeffed” a 10K, and the results blew my mind (is this the secret to running faster?)

Latest in Fitness

Massive Asics sneaker sale is live from $49 — 11 deals I’d shop now that fight Prime Day

Forget running and swimming — study finds this sport adds 10 years to your life

My favorite On running shoes are 20% off — plus 6 other deals I’d shop in the early Prime Day sales

I review Garmin watches for a living — here’s the 4 early Prime Day deals I’d shop now

I ran 40 miles in the Hoka Rocket X3 — here’s my verdict

I’ve been doing this 7-minute Pilates routine to stretch my back and hips at the end of the day — here’s why you should be doing it too

Latest in Features

Trump HHS Secretary RFK Jr. wants every American to wear a fitness tracker — here’s the problem with that

Forget running and swimming — study finds this sport adds 10 years to your life

I use AI chatbots every day — these 7 prompts make them way more useful

PS5 Pro is getting a big upgrade in 2026 — I asked Mark Cerny what’s coming, and why AMD’s future PC GPUs feel more ‘PlayStation’ than ever

I’ve been doing this 7-minute Pilates routine to stretch my back and hips at the end of the day — here’s why you should be doing it too

Garden experts share the best time to water your lawn — and I’ve been getting it all wrong