I count on my fingers using this method:

  1. No fingers = 0, assume all values are cumulative unless stated otherwise.

  2. Start with index finger on Right hand:

  • 1 = Index
  • 2 = Middle
  • 3 = Ring
  • 4 = Pinky
  • 5 = Thumb
  1. After five, clear hand and start from Thumb and go until 9 (Ring)
  • 6 = Thumb
  • 7 = Index … etc
  1. Double digits are counted on Left hand*, following same process as 1-3.
  • For example: 13 would be:
    • Left Hand: Index
    • Right Hand: Index, Middle, Ring
  • For something like 47 would be:
    • Left Hand: Index, Middle, Ring, Pinky
    • Right Hand: Thumb, Index

Using this method, the highest you can count to is 109:

  • Left Hand: Thumb, Index, Middle, Ring, Pinky
  • Right Hand: Thumb, Index, Middle, Ring

You could also probably differentiate 5 and 10 by half-raising your thumb for 5, and full raise for 6-10.

  • kbal@fedia.io
    4·
    12 hours ago

    “It doesn’t teach the basic number facts, only to count faster,” says someone as quoted prominently on wikipedia.

    I suppose it can be fast, but the main use I’ve got out of it over the years is to count automatically using only my fingers while my brain is busy doing other things.