Category:Handedness

Right-handedness is most common. Right-handed people are more dexterous with their right hands when performing tasks. A variety of studies suggest that 90% of the world population is right-handed.

Left-handedness is less common than right-handedness. Left-handed people are more dexterous with their left hands when performing tasks. A variety of studies suggest that approximately 10% of the world population is left-handed.

Mixed-handedness, also known as cross-dominance, means being able to do different tasks better with different hands. For example, a mixed-handed person might write better with their left hand, but throw a ball more accurately with their right. The percentage of mixed-handed people is difficult to determine because it is a matter of degree, and because many people define handedness by the hand used for writing. Most left-handed people develop some mixed-handedness simply by living in a world where most everyday objects are designed for right-handed people, or by growing up with right-handed parents; for example, some tools may force mixed-handedness (e.g., scissors with handles shaped for the right hand).

Ambidexterity is exceptionally rare, although it can be learned. A truly ambidextrous person is able to do any task equally well with either hand. Those who learn it still tend to favour their originally dominant hand.

People who demonstrate awkwardness with both hands are said to be ambilevous or ambisinister. Ambisinistrous motor skills or a low level of dexterity may be the result of a debilitating physical condition.