Interesting facts about left-handed people

Left-handedness is not uncommon, but it is a small part of the world's population. Here are some interesting facts about left-handed people .

Aside from the fact that lefties use their left hand to write, play sports, and do everyday tasks, you probably don't know much about left-handed people. Here are some interesting facts about left-handed people that you may not have heard before in the fields of sports, science, health, and culture.

Left-handed people are more likely to have dyslexia.

A 1993 analysis found a strong correlation between left-handed people and dyslexia. However, in recent years, the correlation has been stronger for ambidextrous people rather than just left-handed people.

Between 10% and 12% of the world's population is left-handed.

According to the BBC, left-handed people only make up about 10 to 12% of the population. To put that into perspective, that's about 1 in 10 people, or 847,000 people out of a total population of 8.478 million in New York City according to the 2024 census.

Left-handed people are often better at multitasking.

According to Science.org, left-handed people are often better at multitasking because they have a larger corpus callosum, or the part of the brain that helps communicate between the two hemispheres. If you know someone who is good at multitasking, you should check to see if they are left-handed because it is entirely possible.

Left-handed people are often more creative.

Not all left-handed people are creative; however, many are more creatively gifted because left-handed people tend to use the right hemisphere of their brain more, which is thought to be more artistic, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Left-handed water polo players are rare but give them a competitive advantage

According to Swimming.org, left-handed water polo players are important because they can face the goal and react quickly to teammates. Left-handed water polo players are rare, but if you have one on your team, they can be a valuable asset.

Children born to mothers over 40 are more likely to be left-handed

According to an article in the Duke University Journal, children born to mothers of advanced maternal age (over 40 years old) are more likely to be left-handed.

Left-handed boxers win more fights

Research has shown that left-handed boxers win more fights. This is because left-handed fighters can confuse their opponents with their stance, unlike fighting most right-handed fighters.

Left Handers Day is August 13

If you are left-handed, then you should celebrate August 13 as it is International Left-Handed Awareness Day. This day was created to raise awareness about left-handedness and promote community spirit among left-handed people.

Using the left hand is considered impolite in some cultures.

If you are traveling internationally, you should be mindful of which hand you use, even if you are left-handed. For example, in India, it is considered impolite and disrespectful to eat or touch food with your left hand because it is associated with hygienic tasks such as using the toilet.

Left-handed people are more prone to allergies.

According to a 1982 study, left-handed people are at a higher risk of immune disorders and diseases like allergies. This doesn't mean that all left-handed people have severe allergies, but if you're left-handed and often have a runny nose or itchy eyes, this could be the reason.

Lesley Montoya

Update 21 August 2025