Autosomal DNA Tests

The MDLP Project on Gedmatch provides ancestry estimates. In this article, learn the basics about MDLP, differences between the models, and how to learn more.

Do you want to know where you can buy Ancestry DNA? In this post, learn the answer, as well as whether you can buy it in stores, or as a gift for someone else. Purchasing your Ancestry DNA test is the first step to a fascinating journey. Whether you want to discover biological relatives, find …

Did you get a Genetic Group on MyHeritage DNA? In this post, learn what it means to get assigned to one of the 2,114 available Genetic Groups, and how to use this information. The Genetic Group feature on MyHeritage DNA is an exciting new development for those who have tested with the site. This feature …

Are you trying to choose between MyHeritage DNA vs. Ancestry DNA for testing?  Both companies offer a reliable DNA testing service at a similar price, so how do you decide which one is best for you?  In this post, I'll tell you what I love about each company and what each one does better than …

Humans have 46 DNA segments on their 23 chromosomes, 23 inherited from each parent. In this article, learn more about these DNA segments, how many segments we have, and what it means to share these in common with someone. DNA segments are an important part of understanding how we are related to our DNA matches. …

Have you seen % Shared DNA on your Ancestry match list? In this post, learn what percent shared DNA means, and how to use this information to figure out your connection with your DNA matches. The percentage of shared DNA showing up on the Ancestry DNA match list is a new feature for 2020. I'm …

Did you get Indigenous Americas - Yucatan Peninsula on your Ancestry DNA results? This region is one of 87 Mexican regions and sub-regions currently available on Ancestry results. In this post, learn more about this fascinating region and its people, as well as: The Yucatan Peninsula has a long, fascinating history. Central to the story …

Building a wide family tree will help you understand how your DNA matches are related, and learn more about your ancestors. In this post, I'll teach you how to use your DNA matches to build your tree wide. I have a confession to make:  I used to be a name collector.  When it came to …

Do you want to know which grandparent you are most related to, from a DNA perspective? In this article learn how to know which grandparent you likely share the most genes with, understand why, and find out how to know for sure. My oldest son looks and behaves in a very similar fashion to my …

Do you want to learn more about the Leeds Method DNA analysis? In this post, learn exactly how to use this method to organize your fourth cousin DNA matches. You will also find out: What the Leeds Method in DNA actually is The benefits of using this strategy to cluster your DNA matches How you …

Did your Ancestry DNA not show Native American heritage in your results? In this post, learn the reasons why your Native American roots might not have shown up on your Ancestry results. We know how the saying goes: "DNA doesn't lie". But what does it mean when you know for sure that you have Native …

Did you get 1% Native American DNA on your DNA results? What does it mean? In this post, learn what it means to find 1% of your DNA matches this region. The ethnicity estimate is one of the most popular reasons for DNA testing. Many people want to explore their ancestry, and believe that they …

Surprised to find Germanic DNA in your results? Learn which countries are in Germanic Europe, how you got this DNA. Plus, find your Germanic ancestors!

Have you seen your trace ancestry regions on 23andMe? In this post, learn what trace ancestry is and how to learn more about your ancestors from those areas. To many people, trace ancestry is the most exciting aspect of their DNA results. The trace regions are the most likely the ones that surprise us and …

Is it possible to use Ancestry DNA without taking a test? In this post, learn how to use Ancestry DNA to access the results of family members that have given you access. If you have not done an Ancestry DNA test, yet have family members who have, you might wonder if it's possible for you …

Do you want to if you have endogamy in your DNA matches? In this post, learn how to spot it, as well as see examples of endogamy so you can know what to look for in your DNA match list. In this article, you'll learn: There are several ways that people begin to suspect they …

Did your 23andMe results change? In this post, find out details about the latest 23andMe update and why your results might occasionally change. While it's exciting to see our Ancestry Composition Report change, it can be slightly disconcerting. Why is it changing, and does it mean the previous results were wrong? 23andMe likes to describe …

Wondering if the Ancestry DNA test is accurate? Whether you want to know about the accuracy of DNA matches or ethnicity estimate, this post is for you.

In this post, find out the differences between weighted and unweighted shared DNA, how this information is calculated and how to use it in researching your connection to your DNA matches.

In this post, I'll help you understand the basics of the "predicted relationship" on Ancestry DNA. You will learn what the term means and how to use this information. Whether you are just starting out learning how to understand your DNA match list, or you have a specific DNA match in mind that you'd like …

Ethnicity estimates are the most popular feature of DNA tests, yet also the most misunderstood. Here, you will learn the truth about a few of the top myths about ethnicity estimates. The increased popularity of DNA testing has inspired people who don't really know very much about the topic to chime in with their own …

Did you get the Spain DNA region on your Ancestry ethnicity estimate? In this post, you'll learn where this region is located, how you may have inherited it, as well as how to start tracing it in your family tree. Whether you are surprised to see DNA from Spain in your results, or you were …

Are you wondering how much DNA you would share with a grandchild?  Is it a set amount, or could it vary?  What's the percentage of DNA that we share with our grandchildren?  Do grandchildren always show up on DNA tests?  How much of our ethnicity regions should they share with us?  I'll answer all of …

Did you get DNA matching the Scotland ethnicity region on Ancestry DNA? In this post, find out what it means to have Scottish DNA, how you inherited DNA from this region, and how to trace it. The addition of Scotland to the Ancestry DNA roster of ethnicity regions is very exciting. It's the first time …

Learn what it means to have DNA from this region, how you might have inherited it, and how to find your Northern Italian ancestors in your family tree.

If you have just gotten your DNA results back, you might have noticed that your ethnicity estimate is reported in percentages.  Are you wondering what all of these percentages really mean? 

Find out here why your ethnicity estimate changed based on the latest research, how to know if it is up-to-date, and whether it's more accurate post-update.

Are you wondering what you should do while you are waiting for your DNA results to be ready? In this post, find a helpful list of things you can do while you wait - and they will also help you get the most from your DNA results once you get them. You took the big …

In this post, I'll explain how to know whether your DNA match or known sibling is a full or half-sibling.  Plus, I'll tell you my perspective on what to do if you have discovered that you and your siblings are half-siblings. Do you have a new DNA match that looks like they might be a …

Are you wondering if 23andMe can detect Native American ancestry on their DNA test? In this post, learn how to trace your Native American DNA on 23andMe.

Are you wondering if you have Jewish ancestry, and whether it will show up on 23andMe? In this post, find out exactly how Jewish DNA shows up on 23andMe.

Are you wondering if 23andMe and Ancestry DNA are the same? While they are similar tests, they offer different results. Learn which test is best for you.

Did you know that you now can see the size of the longest segment shared with your DNA matches on Ancestry? Here, how to find and use this information.

Big changes to your Ancestry DNA match list? Have less DNA matches than before? Learn what type of changes happened in your match list and how to proceed.

Do you want to know how much DNA, in centimorgans and percentages, you share with a parent? In this post, learn the answer, plus much more! Everyone was born with two parents, and it is very interesting learn more about the genetic connection to these very important individuals. After all, without them we would not …

How big is Ancestry's database? Find out, plus learn why a database this size can help you learn more about your ancestors if you want to do a DNA test.

Did you get 2% of a region on your DNA results? Learn how you may have inherited this region, how far back to look for your ancestor, and how to trace it.

If you have Mexican ancestors, you may be wondering what a DNA test can tell you, and whether or not it can help you trace your family tree.  In this post, learn what a DNA test can reveal, how it can help you trace your Mexican roots, and even how to find free Mexican family …

Tested at 23andMe and wonder if your results about DNA Relatives can be wrong? Here, learn what you need to know about the accuracy of your DNA matches.

Do you want to know what Common Ancestor Hints are on Ancestry DNA? Here, I'll explain to you exactly what these hints are, how to access them, and more.

Did you know that you can search your DNA data on 23andMe for a specific gene? Here, learn how to browse your raw data on the site to find specific genes.

Do you want to know if Ancestry DNA and Gedmatch can can be used together. In this post, find out exactly how to do it and what you can learn from both.