Systems and methods for tracking human hands using parts based template matching within bounded regions are described. One embodiment of the invention includes a processor; an image capture system configured to capture multiple images of a scene; and memory containing a plurality of templates that are rotated and scaled versions of a finger template. A hand tracking application configures the processor to: obtain a reference frame of video data and an alternate frame of video data from the image capture system; identify corresponding pixels within the reference and alternate frames of video data; identify at least one bounded region within the reference frame of video data containing pixels having corresponding pixels in the alternate frame of video data satisfying a predetermined criterion; and detect at least one candidate finger within the at least one bounded region in the reference frame of video data.