Who Is Left-Handed
Left-handedness describes people who naturally prefer their left hand for tasks such as writing, throwing, and reaching. It is a common trait found across cultures, ages, and backgrounds.
How Common Is Left-Handedness
About 10 percent of the global population is left-handed, with higher rates in some groups. The trait is more common in men than in women and appears in families, though it does not follow a simple inheritance pattern.
What Causes Left-Handedness
Brain organization, genetics, and early development all play a role. Research links left-handedness to differences in brain lateralization and to certain gene variants, though environment also matters. For more on the science, see this study.
