Did you know that your DNA match list is the most useful aspect of your DNA results? In this post, learn about the most common mistakes people make with their DNA matches.

If you are reading this post, you might have a sister who shows up as a cousin on your DNA match list. Alternatively, you are just curious about how this might occur and want to know what this could mean. Is there any way to tell if you and your DNA match are full or …

If you got your DNA results and saw that you have Native American DNA from the North, Central, South region on Ancestry, you are among the hundreds of millions of people who can trace their ancestry back to the indigenous peoples of North and South America. This is an amazing legacy. In this post, I …

Did you get the Sweden DNA region on Ancestry? More than 4.5 million people in Canada and the United States have known Swedish roots, and even more have Swedish ancestry that they are just beginning to discover. In this post, I'll discuss the most common questions related to the Swedish DNA region on Ancestry. Where …

In this post, I'll tell you everything that you need to know about how to understand the accuracy of 23andMe Ancestry Composition reports. Plus, you'll learn a little about how ethnicity or ancestry is inherited, and whether or not you can really expect your estimate to match your family tree. If you wonder if the …

Are you wondering if 23andMe has a chromosome browser? Do you want to learn how to use it? If you are curious about how you can get more from your 23andMe results and compare your DNA with your matches at a chromosome level, you have come to the right place! In this post, I'll teach …

In this post, you will find suggestions as to the first things that you should do if you get a surprise DNA match. If you check your DNA matches and you find someone unexpected, what should you do? Should you contact them? Should you hide? Should you tell your family members? This post primarily discusses …

Have you heard the mention of family tree forensics in the news? Are you curious about the process used to use DNA and family tree information to track down criminals?

Have you decided to build a family tree? Genealogy is such a fun adventure, and I'm so glad that you have made the first step to getting started: deciding that you want to build a family tree. You've come to the right place for learning how to build a family tree! In this post, you'll …

This beginning tutorial for Ancestry DNA results will help you understand the basics and get the most from your DNA, including DNA matches and DNA story.

Do you want to know more about My Heritage ethnicity estimate and DNA matches? In this post, find out whether your My Heritage DNA Results are accurate!

Do you want to know if there is a way to determine whether you are biologically related to your parents using your DNA matches? Even if your parents can't take a DNA test, there are a few simple ways to find out if your DNA matches one or both of your parents. Note: Naturally, the …

Why should you build a family tree? In this post, I'll give you my top reasons for building a family tree.  I hope you are inspired to starting working on yours right away!

Are you curious about what you get with a 23andMe Ancestry test? Whether you are on the fence about which test to get (or whether to get a test at all), or you are waiting for your results, this post will help you understand more about the type of information you can learn from 23andMe …

Did you get Cameroon, Congo and Southern Bantu Peoples in your Ancestry DNA results?  If so, you can count yourself in excellent company.  Millions of people with African roots living in North and South America will find a genetic heritage in the Cameroon, Congo, and Southern Bantu DNA region.  In this post, you'll learn: Where …

There are many places to build a family tree online, but Ancestry is the best. Here, I'll explain why it's a good idea to build your tree on Ancestry.

What is an ethnicity estimate? How do they get your ethnicity estimate? Is it accurate? How is ethnicity passed down? Learn this, and more!

What is a half-cousin? A half-first cousin? You've come to the right place to find all types of half-cousins explained, as well as a half-cousin chart.

What is the Ireland and Scotland DNA ethnicity on Ancestry? You've come to the right place to learn more about this fascinating DNA region.

Did you get the Norway DNA ethnicity in your Ancestry DNA results?  If you did, you are likely among the more than five million people living in North America that are part of the Norwegian diaspora.  Whether or not you were expecting to find Norway in your DNA results, or it came as a surprise, …

One of the first things that we do when we are researching a DNA match is check the matches that we share in common.  This strategy can help us figure out if our match is on our maternal or paternal lines.  But what does it mean when a DNA match doesn't appear to be related …

Are you interested in learning how to use your DNA to find out the identity of your biological grandparents?  No matter how old you are, or whether or not you believe your grandparents to be living, it's possible to use your DNA results to determine who they were.  If you are interested in family tree …

I'm really excited because today I just got the 23 and Me kits in the mail that I ordered for my parents.  This is a really big deal for me because I have been wanted them to do tests for a really long time, and we are finally doing it!  Both of my parents have …

Have you ever wondered what the Family Tree DNA Chromosome Browser is and how it can help you?  In this post, I will explain how to use this very cool tool, and what type of helpful information you can learn, and how it can be useful for your family tree research.  FTDNA has recently released …

Ethnicity estimates are easy to print out, summarize, and share - what's not to love about them?  We know they are popular and sought after, but what can we learn from our ethnicity estimates? One of the most popular aspects of DNA testing is the ethnicity estimate, which is also referred to as "ancestry composition" …

Have you just started experimenting with the Gedmatch X One-to-One tool?  The results can sometimes be confusing!  What does it mean to share X DNA with someone, and what does it mean when you don't?  In this post, I'll help you understand your Gedmatch X One-to-One Results so you can add a full understanding of …

Are you curious about the X chromosome?  Maybe you are wondering if learning about your X DNA matches could help you learn more about your family history or how some of your DNA matches might be related to you.  In this post, I'll discuss some common questions related to the X chromosome and genealogy, including: …

If you've been into genealogy or genetic genealogy for a while, you've probably heard someone say that they have traced their ancestry back to William the Conqueror (d. 1087), Julius Caesar (d. 44 BC), or even Adam and Eve.  While most of us will be skeptical, it can lead us to wonder how far back …

You've heard all of the experts say that the best way to build a family tree is by using your DNA matches, but how, exactly, is it done?  In this post, I'll explain exactly how your DNA matches can help you build your family tree. While ethnicity estimates are fun and can occasionally reveal something …

If you are considering giving a DNA test as a gift for a holiday, birthday, or other special occasion, but are wondering if it is a good idea, you aren't alone.  In this post, I'll discuss some of the pros and cons of giving a DNA test as a gift, as well as give you …

What better what to feel a connection with your ancestors than through a beautiful homage to their culture in the form of food?  Plus, it's a great way to help family members, especially kids, become interested in their family tree and their heritage. If we are being honest, family tree research can be dry and …

Got a DNA match that shows up in the first cousin category? Are you wondering how to figure out if this match is a first cousin or a half-sibling? Read me!

If you have been examining your DNA match list, you might have noticed that there are a few different details related to the amount of shared DNA that you have with any particular match.  What is the difference between total centimorgans and the number of DNA segments that you and your match share?  Which bit …

Do you want to know how to get started with DNA testing?  In this article, learn how to choose the best DNA test for you and get the most information from your experience. If you have been thinking about taking a DNA test for a while, and have read about the different companies and even …

Are you brand-new to the idea of DNA testing?  Do you have questions about which test to take and what to expect from your test results?  In this post, I'll answer some of the most common questions about DNA testing for ancestry. Which DNA test should I take While there are a few different types …

If you are interested in DNA testing, and you are a female with male siblings, or a male with female siblings, you might be wondering which one of you should be the one to take a DNA test.  Does it make any difference?  Will your results be the same?  If you are full siblings, don't …

In this post, I'll explain to you what a quick and dirty family tree is, and how to use the tree to figure out how your DNA matches are related to you. Have you heard someone mention a "quick and dirty" family tree?  Are you wondering how building a quick and dirty family tree can …

Have you used the X DNA Comparison tool on Gedmatch? If so, you've probably seen a message saying, "No shared X DNA segments found".

There is so much written out there about how many times family stories aren't true.  Especially with the advent of DNA testing, it's easier than ever to prove or disprove long-held family beliefs.  I had an interesting experience recently, however, that I would like to share.  There is value to talking with older relatives and …

Do you have two relatives who are DNA matches to you, but not to each other?  Are you wondering what this really means, and whether or not it could mean a mistake? 

Have you heard of Gedmatch?  If you have, you might wonder why you should upload your DNA to the site to use the available tools.  In other words, why should you use Gedmatch?  In this post, I will outline the top ten reasons that people use Gedmatch.  I enjoy using the site, and I feel …

As you might know, Ancestry periodically updates their customers ethnicity estimates.  Every single Ancestry DNA customer can log in to their account and see a completely updated estimate based on the latest technology and scientific developments.  I often hear from my readers that these newly updated ethnicity estimates are confusing.  So, if you are confused …