To determine the growth rate and element contents of fingernails in young adults, 109 apparently healthy college students were recruited for determination. As a result, the average growth rate of the left thumb was 3.14±0.63 mm/month with significantly faster rates in male and taller participants. The concentrations for Ca, Na, P, K, and Mg were 701.1±274.8 μg/g, 452.3±353.9 μg/g, 331.6±119.7 μg/g, 241.6±142.7 μg/g, and 111.1±43.5 μg/g, respectively. In general, the nail element levels were positively associated with growth rate. In conclusion, fingernail growth rate and the distribution of elements in fingernails are useful for assessing physical development and nutritional status.