A family tree is a diagram or chart showing how people are related in a family. In this post, learn how they work, what they look like, and who is included.

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 …

A double first cousin is a person who is your first cousin - twice. In this article, find out exactly how double first cousins are related, as well as see a family tree example. Most of us - if we look hard enough - can find double cousins in our family tree. In fact, we …

Are you wondering how to find unknown siblings, even if you don't know their names? In this post, learn the answer, as well as top tips for finding siblings you don't know.

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. …

It's that time of year again: time to decide what your resolutions for the new year will be. In this post, find over 30 ideas for New Year's resolutions for the genealogist and family historian. One of my favorite things to do on New Year's Day is enjoying a warm cup of coffee and writing …

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 …

Are you deciding between Ancestry DNA vs Family Tree DNA? Don't know which one to use? Find out the advantages and disadvantages of each here.

Do you want to know the definition of consanguinity? In this article, you will find an easy-to-understand explanation of the concept of consanguinity, along with a few examples.

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 …

In this post, you will learn the meaning of a cousin once-removed in genealogy, whether it's a first, second, third cousin once-removed. You will be able to use the information that you learn in this article to figure out your degree of cousin-ness to even more distant cousins, too. Cousin relationships are complicated! First cousins, …

Do you want to know what MRCA means on Gedmatch? In this post, learn exactly what MRCA means, as well as how to use this information to understand your connection to your DNA matches. The term MRCA is most often found on the Gedmatch Autosomal One-to-One Comparison Tool. This is a very useful tool that …

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 …

Do you need to see a comparison of shared X-DNA between half-sisters with the same mother? In this post, learn how much X-DNA is shared between two maternal half-siblings. Plus, I will provide you with an explanation of how X-DNA is passed down from a mother to her children. This will help you understand more …

Do you want to know if it is possible to trace ancestry with a last name? In this helpful article, find out what you can learn from your last name, as well as whether your last name can tell you where your family is from. While there is a lot that you can learn from …

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 …

Is there such a thing as alternative facts in genealogy? In this post, learn how to explore the truth in your family tree and what to do with what you learn. Those of us who are actively researching our family histories can often feel pressure to make our research match our family stories, legends, and …

You will find the best 100 family history interview questions in this post. These questions will help you conduct a detailed family history interview to create an original source for your family tree research. Documenting your family history by talking to living relatives is the best way to start your journey into genealogy. The story …

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.

Even though census records valuable sources of genealogical information, they are not always correct. Here, learn to spot the most common census errors.

Have you heard the phrase "genealogical time frame" mentioned? In this post, find out exactly what this means as well as why it is important in family tree and genetic genealogy research. This is a key term that will help build your foundational knowledge of genealogy. I did a quick search on one of the …

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 …

Can you use your DNA results to explore your cultural heritage? And if you can, should you? The answer to both of these questions is a firm "yes".

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 …

 In this post, we will discuss the meaning of "first cousin once-removed". Plus, learn how to figure out how many degrees removed you are from your cousins, and see examples of cousins-removed. In some families, cousins are just cousins.  In genealogy, however, we like to get specific since the exact nature of a cousin relationship …

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 …