this depends on the way you install the faucet. I had mine installed with the handle on the front side to make it easily accessible for right or left handed people in my household. With this installed this way the on /off would be front to back or pulling handle towards myself and hot/ cold controlled by turning handle left or right. ( the way the picture shows with handle on right side the on/off would mean the handle would pull to the right to turn on and hot/cold operation being front to back. hope this helps