Updated date: What Does Your Signature Say About You?

I am an ideator, a writer, a personal success coach, trainer, and professional speaker.

Why and How Can You Detect Personality in a Signature?

The art of reading handwriting is called graphology. The logic is pretty simple.

Handwriting is nothing but an output of the electrical impulses of the brain. Since it is an output, one can gauge the person/individual from the handwriting. Now, why focus on the signature?

In an ever-increasingly electronic world, you just don't write that often. You email, you text, and you surf. In all of these activities, you express yourself through manufactured fonts, and our society is becoming unused to expressing itself through handwriting.

However, you still sign documents, contracts, applications, and more. That is where your personality is visible.

Think about your childhood. In the early years of school, you were taught how to write through repeated exercises. Your teachers and parents may have spent a considerable amount of time trying to get you to write in that particular style of "standard" handwriting that everyone desires. But here is the kicker: all of us wound up with our own style of handwriting, didn't we?

That's because we are individuals, with our own personalities, desires, abilities, and experiences. How your handwriting differs from the "standard" handwriting is nothing but your individuality expressed on paper.

Your signature is a snapshot of that personality.

The Basics

There are some characteristics of handwriting that apply only to signatures, and those are the ones that we will be examining here. They are:

Size of the signature Size of the first letter of the signature Slant of the signature Use of first name, last name, or initials Underlining of the signature Dotting of the signature Use of any backward loops in the signature

1. Size of the Signature

The rule of thumb is this: the bigger the signature, the more gregarious and outgoing the person.

A smaller signature can be an indication that a person is:

A miser with money, emotions, or self

An introvert

Unassuming

Whether a signature is large or small can reveal aspects of a person's personality

2. Size of the First Letter of the Signature

The size of the first letter gives you an idea of what the person thinks or feels about himself or herself in relation to the rest of the world.

The difference between the highest and lowest points of the letter is the perceived difference felt between the self and others. This is sometimes also used to gauge ego.

If the first letter is capitalized, then the person has more pronounced self-esteem.

If the first letter is in lowercase, then the person is more grounded.

Signature with a great difference between the highest point of the first letter and the rest of the letters

3. Slant of the Signature

The slant of a signature can reveal aspects of a person's mindset. Here are three possible slants and their meanings:

An upward slant shows ambition and a forward-thinking individual.

A straight signature indicates a balance in a person's approach to life and work.

A downward slant, i.e., the signature starts on the line and moves below, may show someone who lacks self-esteem.

Upward and downward slanting signatures

4. Use of First Name, Last Name, or Initials

Most people use both their first and last name in their signatures, so when they do something else, it says a lot. Here are some variations and what they mean:

Writes only the first name: the person has a strong sense of self and does not take stick too closely to family. These people are independent in thought, are very conscious of the money they make, and will most likely move out to work independently.

Writes only the last name: the person is a family person. This indicates a strong love of and loyalty to family, but this person may have issues surviving outside the protection that family provides.

Writes first initial, followed by full last name: the person has a balanced approach to life.

Writes last name, followed by first name: the person puts family before self.

Signature of first name only

5. Underlining of the Signature

Some people incorporate a flourish in their signatures to underline their name. Here are the meanings of some variations of the underline:

No underline: this indicates an unassuming person. People who do not underline their signatures are not too fussy and do not need to impress others with their accomplishments.

this indicates an unassuming person. People who do not underline their signatures are not too fussy and do not need to impress others with their accomplishments. One line below the signature: the person likes people to know he/she exists. In order to ensure that their presence is felt, people who use one underline are bound to talk about themselves, but not to the point of excess.

the person likes people to know he/she exists. In order to ensure that their presence is felt, people who use one underline are bound to talk about themselves, but not to the point of excess. Two lines below the signature: the person loves to take credit, and will ensure people know the favors he/she has done for them.

the person loves to take credit, and will ensure people know the favors he/she has done for them. A line that cuts through the signature: people who do this may tend to go back on their word and generally have a tendency to contradict themselves.

Underlined signature

6. Dotting of the Signature

Some people will dot their signature upon completion. Most will do so after scratching a line under the signature.

The line is to ensure that they underline their presence, but a dot is worse. Here it is trying to say:

One dot: "You should know who I am, what I do, and what I have done, but here is another reminder."

"You should know who I am, what I do, and what I have done, but here is another reminder." Two dots: "Don't forget who did this."

Dotted signature

7. Use of Any Backward Loops in the Signature

A backwards loop could mean that the person is any of the following:

Someone who thinks a lot about everything

Someone who will take everything upon himself or herself and will be miserable until everyone is happy

Someone who will go about explanations in a roundabout way

Someone who may fib if the situation requires

Signature with a backward loop

How to Analyze Handwriting Yourself

Handwriting or signature analysis is not an exact science. I recommend that you take note of these seven characteristics in the signatures of your acquaintances and draw your own more detailed conclusions about how it reveals their personalities. I started many years back, and over the years, I began to piece together patterns that I observed.

Before you begin your own observations, consider the following guidelines:

You can use a person's signature to try to gain an initial impression, but please do not use it as criteria for hiring.

After you have gained an initial impression of a person based off of his or her signature, don't stop there. Let that person's actions continue to contribute to your mental picture of his or her character.

Do You Believe That Handwriting Reveals Character?

© 2010 Prabhjot Bedi

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on August 29, 2020:

For everyone! you can send me your questions and signature / or a small handwritten piece (3 lines) on mail@prabhjotbedi.com

All readings are FREE

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on August 29, 2020:

@Norani thank you!

Norani Ahmad on August 18, 2020:

Interesting & very true manifestations of character & personality

Manjot G. on March 14, 2020:

Amazing article Prabhjot. Great insights. My signature comprises of two words starting with a small letter. Is it bad?

Thank you and regards

Muralidhar on December 08, 2019:

Good info

Taniya on November 27, 2019:

Dear Mr. Bedi,

Can you tell me if putting a dot on ' i ' and ' j ' in a signature has any significance? Also, is putting mere dots or drawing small circles in place of dots any more significant? Please advise. Thank you!

Dritan sadiku on November 24, 2019:

Please show me how to sign my signature

Abhay yadav on November 22, 2019:

My name is abhay but I don't like my sign

Ahmed malick on August 24, 2019:

Its very usefull and great reserch

But you were not very clear abot dotts

I need more explanation about

Kirti deshmukh on August 23, 2019:

Sir,

I am a strong beleiver of signatures and small small initiative that can bring positivity and development in life..Therefore please guide me with my signature..i put first letter of my father's surname on my name as my signature, underline with two lines and two dots at the end..sir i have observed that i am not able to contribute much after coming to my husbands home..so for all types of growth i.e. mental peace,good health of my entire family ( huaband and son) financial growth and so on.Do i need to change my signature.Therefore pl guide me.your suggestion will be very much valuable.

Regads

Kirti

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on August 22, 2019:

@Debabrata . Have you sent the signature?

mustefa on August 17, 2019:

please tell me about my signature

Navdeep on August 06, 2019:

Very interesting...

Yash Ryan Minz on July 29, 2019:

Tell me my signature

Rekha Jain on July 28, 2019:

Thanks 4 sharing good knowledge

My question is person having its name as a signature in which 1st n last letter is capital what does it means

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on July 23, 2019:

Dear Sumit,

You have sent me your signature and I have responded.

Thank you for reading the article.

Cheers

Sumit Kapoor on July 23, 2019:

Sir

Read your analysis and found very logical In-fact helped a lot to understand the nature of signatures, but am still curious to know about my own signatures bcos neither they start with any alphabet nor any font. basically its kind of round and round Jalebi which ends with last four alp[habets of my first name. can you help me understand in this subject.

NITINCHANDRA PATEL on May 06, 2019:

I really appreciate the kind of explanations what you have given about signature analysis with some thumb rules along with the examples

Thanks,

Zahoora on March 13, 2019:

I read ur article...really helped. but still, can u help me to know what my signature depicts and if I need to change it

prabh on January 24, 2019:

Hi sir I am also Prabhjot . Please suggest good signature as i dont want to use any surname. please guide. thanks

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on January 21, 2019:

@Ramandhar Prasad please send me your signature. mail@prabhjotbedi.com

Ramandhar Prasad on January 20, 2019:

Sir, I sign my first name with some art and below it a line ......And put two dot at the end of line...Sir is this correct or put the two dot below line...

Thanks nd regards

Shwetali Sandeep Patil on January 04, 2019:

Hi...In my signature I write ' h' under 'S' alphabate ...And there are many curves in signature....Is it correct sign or I need to change it...Plz guide...

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on December 19, 2018:

Dear Sunita,

Please send me your signature on mail@prabhjotbedi.com and I would be happy to help.

Sunita on December 19, 2018:

Very informative Prabhjot ji!!! I would be very greatful to you if you analyze my signature too....

Thanks in anticipation.

Regards,

Sunita Ghosh

Honey on September 09, 2018:

You made me see me through a different eye. I cut through my signature with a line and I have the tendency to go back on my work and contradict myself a lot. I plan now to make a conscious decision to correct those tendencies. Maybe my signature style will change afterwards

Srinivas on August 30, 2018:

nice article, please explain how to make signature in perfect way

Prabhjot Bedi on August 27, 2018:

Hi Prabhjot,

Read your article and found it extremely interesting. Also saw the comments where you had looked at a few poeple's signatures and offered them personal guidance. I thereafter also saw that the website you had created in your name no longer exists, and thus the mail id therein would also be perhaps defunct.

I have a peculiar signature in a way that a few of my letters overlap with one another. Hence, I would be so glad if you could be ever so kind to have a look at mine, and suggest my personality details, as well as if there are ways I can improve. Please help me with your email, so I may send it across to you.

Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.

RAJ SALARIA on August 06, 2018:

Excellent, nicely explained.

Gurvinder singh on June 20, 2018:

sign

Harsh on May 21, 2018:

Poiny 5 part 4

A line that cuts through the signature: people who do this may tend to go back on their word and generally have a tendency to contradict themselves.

Not clearly understood.

Attada Teja on February 18, 2018:

Perfect

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on November 07, 2017:

Cherie Frink-Hunter

Send me your signature

mail@prabhjotbedi.com

Cherie Frink-Hunter on November 06, 2017:

How can I have my signature analyzed? Sometimes I leave off my last name because it is so long. What does that say about me?

Akshay Kukkaje on May 12, 2017:

I write my signature as First name followed by initial of Last name. what does it mean?

Kalpesh Mohite on September 21, 2016:

I want to know which is the best signature for me...

eSignly on May 11, 2016:

This is really interesting.

We are an eSignature Solution Company. My question is that do you analyse eSignature as well. Like no one our company uses hand signature, so we are very much interested in knowing about ourselves but using eSignature.

AlliLovesCars on September 06, 2015:

Thank you for the wonderful signature analysis!

Karan on September 03, 2015:

Very Nice article.

Please check your mail sir. I mailed you signature pic.

I would really like to hear from you.

Thank You.

Sandeep on June 17, 2015:

Interesting article!!!

I would like to know about my signature.

If you don't mind can you please share your email id with me on katkar.sandeep@yahoo.com.

Thanks in advance!!!

Drew Mitchell on January 19, 2015:

Great post - very interesting stuff!

Tabatha Vassal on January 06, 2015:

I would love to learn more on how to change my signature, to benefit me. Ty :)

afaq Ahmed on January 05, 2015:

In my signature I put a star at the end what does that mean.I don't it myself why I put it

cheri. on December 15, 2014:

Maybe it's because i am stoned right now. But I thought this was the most fascinating thing I have read in a while. My signature is *constantly* changing. What does that say about me? Is my brain just a jumbled mess?

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on November 17, 2014:

@sumit,

Replied!

Sumit on November 17, 2014:

Hi Prabjot,

nice article to read, also I have sent you my signature looking forward for your reply.

Regards

SUJI RAVI on November 05, 2014:

Okay. I have sent again. Thanks.

Regards

Suji

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on October 24, 2014:

@SUJI I am sorry, I don't think i recd it. Could you resend please?

SUJI RAVI on October 01, 2014:

Hi Prabhjot,

I had sent you my signature to your email last week. Did you get an opportunity to go through it. Please advise.

Thanks

Suji

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on September 23, 2014:

hi! Thank you everyone for reading and commenting. @SUJI @ROBIN @BASANT et al.

Please send me your signatures on mail@prabhjotbedi.com

Please understand that this is a hobby and I will get to it when my professional duties allow.

much regards,

SUJI RAVI on September 23, 2014:

Hi Prabhjot,

Thanks for this wonderful article on signatures. I would like to know about my signature style. I only use my first name while signing. I have a slightly upward slant and underline my signature which sometimes cut through the alphabet "J" and the stroke of my "i" is going upwards. I will ensure that I will draw the horizontal line below "J". I want to know if the way the "i" (curve going upwards) is written is okay. Also if I underline my signature with two horizontal strokes will it bring a positive difference in my life. Thank you for your guidance.

Robin on September 21, 2014:

Hi Prabhjot,

I write my full name i.e. my first name and my last name starting with initial names in slanting upwards from left to right. Moreover I underline the initial and last name and the underline is followed by a dot. Please analyse.

Regards

Basant Singh on September 15, 2014:

I while signing use first letter of my first name in capital and continue with full surname in small letter and underline the sign and place a dot at the end of line which is little above line and another dot just above i. my sign slants upward with straight parallel line beneath it which i draw.

basu on September 15, 2014:

I while signing

sadiqa on September 02, 2014:

it is very nice

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on July 07, 2014:

@dan go. it does.

dan go on July 07, 2014:

some sources i read said that underlined signature shows a leadership. have u ever heard about it? what do u think?

rohanias11 on June 23, 2014:

thanks for your acknowledgment . I have sent my signature on your account "mail@prabhjotbedi.com . Please spare some time and have a look on my signature and provide me precious suggestion.

thanks once again....

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on June 23, 2014:

@Rohan thanks mate! send me the signature, I'll take a look. cheers!

Prabhjot Singh Bedi on June 23, 2014:

@Jessica First thanks the read and the big thumbs up!

Btw, I do a lot of writing with my left hand too, that is to exercise the other part of my brain.

Increasingly switching your hand to sign, might suggest you want to be something/someone different for the world.

Rohan kumar on June 23, 2014:

Hi Prabhjot,

Really very interesting and informative article . It will help many people to make their life better only by changing their signature. My signature starts with big "R" and ends with small upward "r" , but the first letter "R" and small "k" go below ,also I do underline my signature . But I do not know whether it is good for me or not. Kindly make your valuable comment and give suggestion to improve it.

Jessica A Kluth on January 26, 2014:

My signature has always been tight and neat, but big on the flourishes. The basic examples that you gave really fit me pretty well, particularly the part about backwards loops. I love ending my "a" and "h" with an exaggerated loop backwards to cross any t's (and not, for consistency). Every bullet explained me to the T! I am curious though--how might you view a person who loves writing backwards and switching to the left hand for fun? I have started doing that for my signature so that it is harder to copy my signature, but I wonder what that says about me as a person?

Thank you for your time!!!

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on April 15, 2013:

@Stacey a pic of the note would help. This is too little info for me to comment on. rgds

Stacey on April 05, 2013:

A woman in my husbands office is sending him notes. We believe she is starting to stalk him. When she writes his first name (which ends in the letter "n") she extends a long horizontal line at the end of the "n" with a slight downward stroke at the very end. Thoughts...

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on April 01, 2013:

@Swarnima you can get in touch with me on mail@prabhjotbedi.com

swarnima singh on March 25, 2013:

tnx a lot dude it really helped me in my project , bt as a field of interest i would like to know morw about the signatures....... plz tell me how cn i contact eu?????

Jagruti d patel on February 07, 2013:

Can u suggest me how I do my signature that is perfect for my life to achive

Subash Dilruk on September 22, 2012:

Dear Prabjee

I will definitely translate this into sinhala (native Sri Lankan Language) with due credit to this post. This is something I have been looking for some time.

Jasmeet Singh on August 14, 2012:

Hi.. Gud article.well my Ist alphabet is a big J slanted towards right to left and then small letters to rest of words all joint and small no underlines no dots. so what it says..!

sooroor on August 09, 2012:

my nationality is iran . and i needed to know about signature

arnantas on August 03, 2012:

Need your help to read my signature Mr.Bedi.

I've sent the photo of it with my email arnantas@gmail.com.

Vico on July 30, 2012:

Mr. Bedi I sent you my signature., hope u can help reading it for me. Any suggestion is acceptable to change my signature.

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on July 24, 2012:

@Neha M

Thank you!

Abhishek on July 19, 2012:

I start my signature by my first letter & dad's first letter & then i write my surname by striking both first letter's. What does it indicate as i use my Name's first letter, Dad's First Letter & My last name Complete

Shrikant on July 18, 2012:

I have the same issue as with other as my signature starts with "S" it rises and then turns back and then up finnally into a number "8" and moving with my surname.But when I start my surname I stop and have a long stroke for "K". I at times underline and put dot sometimes I don't.What would be the best option for me.Please help

VINIT SIROHA on July 17, 2012:

Mr. Bedi

you are such a knowledgeable person.

I'm amazed , every single word that you explained about me was absolutely correct.

Thanks !!!!!!!!

akshay on July 13, 2012:

sir thanks for such a useful information....

sir i starts my signature with small 'a' in loop like '@' and there is my name and surname also.

is this correct

Richika Rampal on July 06, 2012:

Its a great article...things are just to the point...I loved it and tried a hand a analyzing my signature from the pointers you have mentioned...at times I mention my surname and at times I don't....depends on my mood...I'd sure like to learn more about my signature...!

sunny tailor on July 03, 2012:

Hi there,

I liked your views about the signature concept and more i also very much intrested in how our signature does work? so for that i am doing my signature like first alphabet of my name and than using my full surname continue with it. so how it would be for me? please suggest me.

Thanks.

Manish on June 28, 2012:

hi prabhjot

it is really very nice article.

can i send you my signature for analysis.

Silverme on June 22, 2012:

I love your article.I underline through my signature plus it slunts upwards.After I underline the signature I end it with a dot. I use the first letter in my name and the Family name in ful comes last. What does that say about me.

Neha M on June 21, 2012:

Really nice article, i believe something like Signature Science do exist:-))

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on June 19, 2012:

@Abhijit

You have to send me a specimen for me to give any advice.

cheers!

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on June 19, 2012:

@Priya malekar

pls send me the signature.

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on June 19, 2012:

@Nishant

I think your question is answered in the article.

God Bless

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on June 19, 2012:

@Sarrah

It could be that you do not like people knowing the real you or you generally like to behave or put up a front so that people like you.

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on June 19, 2012:

@RIG

What would you like to know?

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on June 19, 2012:

@Uttam Amrutlal Oswal

Pls send it.

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on June 19, 2012:

@Jasroope

Pls go ahead!

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on June 19, 2012:

@Adriana

if you feel like it and if you it makes you feel nice, do it!

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on June 19, 2012:

@Saumen

Thank you!

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on June 19, 2012:

@Abhishek Verma

you will have to send me a copy.

God Bless

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on June 19, 2012:

@Abhishek Verma

you will have to send me a copy.

God Bless

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on June 19, 2012:

@harish sharma

you will have to send me a copy.

God Bless

Prabhjot Bedi (author) from chandigarh on June 19, 2012:

@rpr

I am sorry you feel that way, but you are entitled to your opinion. Thanks for reading though!

Cheers!

Abhijit on June 02, 2012:

Can you analyze mine - I write my first letter A in star sign... I keep a space after every letter... I write my first name and surname as well... My signature is going upwards... The dot on my i is a big circle & I draw a line going upwards below my signature... plz reply at djabhijit@yahoo.com

Priya malekar. on May 31, 2012:

I use first letter of my name & last name full, but i covered whole word in a round with 2 dot......so would u help me out, is it good for me.or i need to change my signature....plz suggest..

Deepshikha on May 21, 2012:

Dear Sir,

I have a problem with my signature, i fail to make same signature each time i make them.

however my signature is Dshikha i.e(first letter and then second half name) also i keeps on changing them.

plz guide.

Nishant on May 21, 2012:

I mostly use my fisrt name initial in letter case.. and attach my last name to it, then a line underneath the last name and 2 dots, what would that tell.

Sarrah on May 16, 2012:

I can never sign the same signature twice. I have a lot of problems with banks and all... especially if i consciously sign something....what could be the reason for that?