Analyzing Handwriting Samples

Handwriting analysis is based on looking for comparisons between two handwriting samples. There are certain indicators and characteristics of certain peoples' writing style.

Twelve general questions are asked when comparing handwriting samples:

• Line quality: do the letters flow or are they written with very intent strokes?
• Spacing of words and letters: what is the average space between words and letters?
• Ration of height, width, and size of letters: are the letters consistent in height, width, and size?
• Connecting strokes: how are capital letter connected to lowercase letters?
• Strokes to begin and end: where do the letters begin and end on the page?
• Unusual letter formation: are any letters written with unusual slants or angles? Are some letters printed rather than written in cursive?
• Pen pressure: how much pressure is applied on upward and downward strokes?
• Slant: do letters slant to the left or right? If the slant is pronounced, a protractor may be used to determine the degree.
• Baseline habits: does the author write on the line or does the writing go above and/or below the line?
• Fancy writing habits: are there any unusual curves and loops or unique styles?
• Placement of diacritics: how does the author cross the t's and dot the i's?
  

This example of handwriting shows several points from the above list:

• The pen pressure is higher towards the bottom of the letters.
• Most repeats of the same letter have a different appearance.
• Many letters are started at the bottom rather than the top.
• The sample shows a very quick, intent style rather than a flowing style.
  

Sadly, since handwriting can be varied by emotions, stress, or even writing implement, handwriting analysis is not a definitive science and is often inaccurate because of how easily handwriting style can be altered.