Human Hand and Foot

The hand shows Phi and the Fibonacci Series.

There are many examples of the Divine Proportion found throughout the design of the universe and everything in it, but let’s take a look at one of the most important things first: You!   We’ll need a few Golden Section / Fibonacci building blocks:

Each line is 1.618… times longer than the one before it. (Conversely, a section drawn at 0.618 (or 61.8%) of each line equals the length of the one before it.)

Let’s start with something simple. Take your hand off your keyboard or mouse and look at the proportions of your index finger.

Hold your hand up to the screen. Don’t be shy!

Each section of your index finger, from the tip to the base of the wrist, is larger than the preceding one by about the Fibonacci ratio of 1.618, also fitting the Fibonacci numbers 2, 3, 5 and 8.

By this scale, your fingernail is 1 unit in length.

Curiously enough, you also have 2 hands, each with 5 digits, and your 8 fingers are each comprised of 3 sections.  All Fibonacci numbers!

Here are other ways of expressing the same basic relationship in its connection to the golden ratio and golden spiral:

The ratio of the forearm to hand is Phi

Your hand creates a golden section in relation to your arm, as the ratio of your forearm to your hand is also 1.618, the Divine Proportion.

Even your feet show phi

The foot has several proportions based on phi lines, including:

1. The middle of the arch of the foot
2. The widest part of the foot
3. The base of the toe line and big toe
4. The top of the toe line and base of the “index” toe

Note that not every individual has body dimensions in exact phi proportion but averages across populations tend towards phi and phi proportions are perceived as being the most natural or beautiful.