
The growth rate of nails is related to the length of the terminal phalanges (outermost finger bones). In humans, the nail of the index finger grows faster than that of the little finger; and fingernails grow up to four times faster than toenails. Fingernails grow at an average rate of approx. 3.5 mm (0.14 in) a month, whereas toe nails grow about half as fast (approx. average 1.6 mm (0.063 in) a month).
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Growth rate | 3.5mm (0.14in) a month |
Regrowth time | 3-6 months |
Longest female nails | 8.65m (28ft 4.5in) |
What You'll Learn
Fingernails grow at an average rate of 3.5mm a month
Fingernails grow at an average rate of 3.5mm (0.14 inches) a month. This is dependent on age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, and hereditary factors.
The growth rate of nails is related to the length of the terminal phalanges (outermost finger bones). Thus, in humans, the nail of the index finger grows faster than that of the little finger. Fingernails grow up to four times faster than toenails.
Fingernails require three to six months to regrow completely, and toenails require twelve to eighteen months.
The longest female nails ever measured a total of 8.65 m (28 ft 4.5 in).
Fingernails can be measured using a tape measure or ruler. Hold the measuring tape or ruler horizontally across the widest point of your natural nail. Make sure you use the millimeter side, and not the inches side. If you're in between lines, round up to the next line. If you have flatter nail beds, add 1mm/1.0cm to your measurements.
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Nails grow faster on the index finger than the little finger
In mammals, the growth rate of nails is related to the length of the terminal phalanges (outermost finger bones). Thus, in humans, the nail of the index finger grows faster than that of the little finger; and fingernails grow up to four times faster than toenails. In humans, fingernails grow at an average rate of approx. 3.5 mm (0.14 in) a month, whereas toenails grow about half as fast (approx. average 1.6 mm (0.063 in) a month). Fingernails require three to six months to regrow completely, and toenails require twelve to eighteen months. Actual growth rate is dependent upon age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, and hereditary factors.
The longest female nails known ever to have existed measured a total of 8.65 m (28 ft 4.5 in). Contrary to popular belief, nails do not continue to grow after death; the skin dehydrates and tightens, making the nails (and hair) appear to grow.
The length of a fingernail was defined as the greatest longitudinal length between the tip of the finger and the groove at the junction of the proximal nail fold and eponychium. This definition, which used standard reference points, allowed reproducibility and prevented errors caused by variable fingernail length due to trimming the free nail margin. Hand length was defined as the distance from the distal wrist crease to the midpoint of the tip of the middle finger on the palmar side. Hand breadth was defined as the distance across finger knuckles on the palmar side.
To measure your nail length, hold the measuring tape or ruler horizontally across the widest point of your natural nail. Make sure you use the millimeter side, and not the inches side. If you're in between lines, round up to the next line. If you have flatter nail beds, add 1mm/1.0cm to your measurements (for very flat nail beds add 2!). Make sure to measure all ten fingers. It’s common to have different measurements on each hand. An average thumb usually measures anywhere from 16mm to 18mm.
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Toenails grow about half as fast as fingernails
Fingernails grow up to four times faster than toenails. Fingernails grow at an average rate of 3.5mm (0.14 inches) a month, whereas toenails grow about half as fast, at an average rate of 1.6mm (0.063 inches) a month. Fingernails require three to six months to regrow completely, and toenails require twelve to eighteen months.
The growth rate of nails is related to the length of the terminal phalanges (outermost finger bones). In humans, the nail of the index finger grows faster than that of the little finger; fingernails grow faster than toenails. According to a study performed at the University of North Carolina, fingernails, on average, grow 3.47mm a month. Toenails, on the other hand, grow only 1.62mm per month.
The growth rate of nails depends on a surprising number of factors such as age, sex, season, weather, diet, exercise, and other hereditary factors. To my dismay, no one is 100% certain why fingernails grow faster than toenails, but there are two generally accepted theories. The first is called “terminal trauma” which is horribly named but essentially means that the more you use a digit, the faster the nail grows. Frequent fingertip use indicates to the nail matrix that the nail is probably being worn down faster, so it calibrates by increasing the rate of growth.
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Fingernails require three to six months to regrow completely
Fingernails grow at an average rate of 3.5mm (0.14 inches) a month, whereas toenails grow about half as fast (approx. 1.6mm (0.063 inches) a month). Fingernails require three to six months to regrow completely, and toenails require twelve to eighteen months. The actual growth rate is dependent upon age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, and hereditary factors.
The growth rate of nails is related to the length of the terminal phalanges (outermost finger bones). Thus, in humans, the nail of the index finger grows faster than that of the little finger; and fingernails grow up to four times faster than toenails.
The longest female nails known ever to have existed measured a total of 8.65m (28ft 4.5in). Contrary to popular belief, nails do not continue to grow after death; the skin dehydrates and tightens, making the nails (and hair) appear to grow.
To measure your fingernails, hold the measuring tape or ruler horizontally across the widest point of your natural nail. Make sure you use the millimeter side, and not the inches side. If you're in between lines, round up to the next line. If you have flatter nail beds, add 1mm/1.0cm to your measurements (for very flat nail beds add 2!). Make sure to measure ALL TEN fingers. It’s common to have different measurements on each hand. An average thumb usually measures anywhere from 16mm to 18mm.
Hard Ruler: Place Scotch tape around the widest part of your nails and use a pen to mark your side walls.
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The longest female nails ever measured 8.65m
The longest female nails ever measured were 8.65m in total. This is equivalent to 28 feet and 4.5 inches.
The growth rate of nails in mammals is related to the length of the terminal phalanges (outermost finger bones). In humans, the nail of the index finger grows faster than that of the little finger, and fingernails grow up to four times faster than toenails. Fingernails grow at an average rate of approximately 3.5mm (0.14 inches) a month, whereas toe nails grow about half as fast (approximately 1.6mm (0.063 inches) a month). Fingernails require three to six months to regrow completely, and toe nails require twelve to eighteen months.
The length of a fingernail was defined as the greatest longitudinal length between the tip of the finger and the groove at the junction of the proximal nail fold and eponychium. This definition, which used standard reference points, allowed for reproducibility and prevented errors caused by variable fingernail length due to trimming the free nail margin.
The longest female nails ever measured were contrary to popular belief, nails do not continue to grow after death; the skin dehydrates and tightens, making the nails (and hair) appear to grow.
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