Genetic Genealogy

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.

If you did your DNA test with 23 and Me, you have access to an amazing level of detail in your Ancestry Composition Report. Find out how to download your ethnicity data from 23andMe in this article.

Do you want to know what overlap means on Gedmatch results? In this post, learn all about overlap, including low overlap and overlap cutoff.

If you got your DNA results back and are enjoying all that you are learning from them, you might wonder if there are other free websites to upload your DNA to learn even more.  It turns out that there are tons of great websites where you can upload your raw DNA. Note:  If you haven't …

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 …

Do you want to know how to delete your DNA data from Gedmatch? If you want to know the easy steps to follow, you will find them here. In addition, you will also learn whether Gedmatch stores your actual DNA. If you have a family tree (GEDCOM) on the site, you will see how to …

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.

Have you used the Find Common Ancestors (MRCA) From DNA Matches tool on Gedmatch? In this post, learn how to use the tool and what the results mean.

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 …

Have you tried out Gedmatch? One of the most popular tools on the site is the One-to-Many Comparison where you receive a long list of DNA matches. Who are these people and what is your connection to them? In this post, I'll give you some different strategies to help you determine how you and your …

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 …

Want to know how half-siblings show up on Gedmatch? Find out how half-siblings match on the site, and how to know if a match is a full or half-sibling.

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.

Are you or someone you know thinking about taking a DNA test? In this post, learn the top five reasons to take a DNA test to learn more about your ancestry.

If you are looking for the best Gedmatch calculator for African-American ancestry, you have come to the right place. In this post, learn which admixture calculator and model to use that best matches your unique DNA. If you have African ancestry and you aren't from the United States, or if you don't identify as African-American …

Have you noticed the DNA Discoveries on Ancestry? In this post, learn how to find them, what they are, and how they can help you learn about your ancestors.

Here, find out what it means to share DNA across segments. Plus, explore what each DNA segment means, and if the number of shared DNA segments matters.

If you've used the Gedmatch admixture tools, you've seen EHG or WHG on your results. Learn what this stands for and how you got this ancient DNA.

Did you do your DNA with My Heritage? In this post, learn how to understand your DNA matches, find out how you are related, and more!

If you've used Gedmatch, you need to know what the largest segment means. Here, you will learn what it is and how to understand and use this information.

Do you want to know how much DNA you share with an aunt or uncle? In this post, learn about the DNA shared with aunts and uncles.

Do you want to know what the Leeds Method is? In this post, learn about the origins of this method and how the Leeds Method can help you learn more about your family using your DNA matches. You can use the Leeds Method if you: I'm excited to write about the Leeds Method on this …

Do DNA tests for ancestry really work? They do, and it is one of the most exciting ways to learn about your family's history. Learn more in this article!