To summarize the similarity algorithm methods used in the analysis of fingerprints for traditional Chinese medicine in recent years through CNKI

SCIENCE DIRECT database retrieval. Twenty articles were found andNinenine kinds of similarity calculation methods were summed up including Nei coefficient and Improved Nei coefficient

distance coefficient

correlation coefficient

cosine of angle and other six improving similarity algorithm methods.The advantages and the advantagesand disadvantages of each method were listed. In practical work

similarity methods should be chosen according to their characteristics

in which way this technique would be applied to the quality control of TCM more appropriately.