Graphology (graphoanalysis) is the study of handwriting, especially when employed as a means of analyzing character and personality traits. Graphologists use handwriting analysis to define a person’s character from more than 5,000 personality traits. The size of your letters, the angle, the scribbles you make, spacing between words, shapes of letters and more can all signify different characteristics. They can even be used for detecting lies and revealing possible health ailments.

Real handwriting experts are known as forensic document examiners, not as graphologists. Forensic (or questioned) document examiners consider loops, dotted "i's" and crossed "t's," letter spacing, slants, heights, ending strokes, etc. They examine handwriting to detect authenticity or forgery.

A person's handwriting is as unique as their personality. Plus, it makes for an interesting conversation when discussing connecting the two. Graphology is a fun exercise, especially if you're testing someone you know, but it has very limited accuracy. If you're interested in a more scientific basis, learn how forensic investigators compare the handwriting of suspects and ransom notes.

Handwriting Analysis 101:

  1. People who write letters close together are intrusive and crowd others
  2. Illegible signatures mean a person is private and difficult to understand
  3. Words or sentences that vary to the rest of the text suggest it is a lie
  4. Schizophrenia and high blood pressure can also be identified from writing
  5. If letters reach down into the lower zone that represents the area of materialism
  6. Ascending base lines show energy, enthusiasm and initiative
  7. Small writing shows a good ability to concentrate but can also suggest an introverted person
  8. Slant changes and a sudden upsurge in height shows impulsiveness
  9. Men’s signatures often settle down by the time they are 18 as they mature
  10. Curved, looped, rhythmic writing shows altruism, friendliness and a sense of balance
  11. If pressure of the writing increases towards the end of words it symbolizes increased commitment to a project as time goes on
  12. If you have a right slant, you are warm and open
  13. Over a third of us have messy handwriting, with almost one in ten saying it’s ineligible.
Obama Handwriting Sample