turtle.left() method in Python

turtle.left() method turns the turtle counterclockwise by the given angle (in degrees) without changing its position. The heading (direction) changes, but the turtle stays in the same spot until a movement method like forward() or backward() is called.

Syntax:

turtle.left(angle)

Parameters: angle (int | float) is the number of degrees to turn counterclockwise.

Returns: This method only changes the turtle's heading, not its position.

Examples

Example 1: Simple left turn

import turtle
turtle.left(90)

turtle.forward(100)
turtle.done()

Output:

Explanation:

• arrow is initially in the right direction
• we turn it 90° to the left using turtle.left(90°)
• then we move it forward 100 pixels using turtle.forward(100), creating a vertical line in the upward direction.

Example 2: Multiple left turns

import turtle
turtle.forward(50)
turtle.left(120)

turtle.forward(50)
turtle.done()

Output:

Explanation: The turtle moves forward, turns left by 120°, then moves forward again, forming an angled path.

Example 3: Drawing a square using left turns

import turtle

for _ in range(4):
    turtle.forward(100)
    turtle.left(90)

turtle.done()

Output:

Explanation: The turtle repeats moving forward 100 pixels and turning left 90° four times, creating a square.

Related articles:

• turtle.forward() method
• turtle.right() method
• turtle.backward() method
• Python Turtle Graphics