# 3.3.1 Right/Left Hand Coordinate System

A three-dimensional coordinate system can be right-handed or left-handed as illustrated here:

The Z-axis direction compared to the X-axis and Y-axis directions, is different. In the right-handed system, the Z axis points out, toward the viewer. In the left-handed coordinate system, the Z axis points in, away from the viewer.

N64 uses the right-handed coordinate system as do most other systems. Even though it would seem more natural to use the left-handed system because you could think of it superimposed on a TV screen, the right-handed system is used because it fits with the standard mathematical convention.

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Last Updated March, 1999