Updated 25 February 2022

 

I know the feeling–you finally submitted your DNA test, excitedly awaited the results, they finally arrived, you logged in, and then…what?  After poking around the website, it all seems interesting, but the question remains…What do I DO with it?

There are 4 simple steps that will initially help you to understand and evaluate your DNA matches.  As you work systematically through these steps, you will gain a better understanding of who shares DNA with you.

This article focuses on autosomal DNA (atDNA), but the general concepts may be applied to Y-DNA and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results.

  Before starting any research on your matches, get a notebook or open a research log to record DNA information as you go along.  This will make it easier to record reference material if you get distracted or need to make some notes about your results. NIcole Dyer has created some fantastic Airtable research logs, try one here.

1. Review DNA matches for names you recognize

Look at your DNA matches – do you recognize any of the names? If you recognize a name and know how that person is related to you, write the relationship in your notebook, research log, or in the notes section of the testing company.

2. Check the amount of shared DNA

How much DNA do you share with each match? The amount of shared DNA can be reported in two ways:

-centiMorgans (cM) are shown at AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, Family Tree DNA, 23andMe, and Living DNA

-percentages are shown at AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, 23andMe, and Living DNA

 A good way to think about the number of centiMorgans or the percentages listed is generally the more DNA you share, the closer the relationship.

The testing company will give you an estimate of the relationship, but there are usually multiple relationships that can be represented by that amount of centimorgans.

The red arrows in the images below point to the amount of DNA shared between you and your match.

AncestryDNA

Family Tree DNA

23andMe

MyHeritage

Living DNA

3. Calculate possible relationships with the Shared cM Project Tool

Use the Shared cM Project Tool at DNA Painter https://dnapainter.com/tools/sharedcmv4 to see what possible familial relationships you might share with that match.

This amazing tool was a collaborative creation of Jonny Perl, (DNAPainter.com) Blaine Bettinger (DNA-Central.com and TheGeneticGenealogist.com) and Leah Larkin (The DNAGeek.com).

It combines the:

-Shared centiMorgan Project, where over 60,000 people submitted information about the amount of shared DNA they observed in known family relationships

-Probabilities that your shared DNA indicate a specific relationship

-Visual presentation of the possible specific relationships you share with a DNA match

Access the DNA Painter tool from the link above, and enter the number of centimorgans or the percentages from data given by a DNA testing company. See the red arrows in the screenshot below to locate this field.

 

 

Then the tool calculates probabilities of specific familial relationships based on the amount of shared DNA. The graphic below highlights the most likely familial relationships that you and your DNA match share.

 

In the DNA Painter screenshot above, I entered 675 cM — the amount of DNA that I share with my cousin. The table above indicates that he could fit into the following relationships: First cousin, First Cousin Once Removed, Great Grandparent/Great Grandchild, Great-Aunt/Uncle/ Great-Great Niece/Nephew, Half Great-Aunt/Uncle, Half-Aunt/Uncle/ Half First Cousin, Half Niece/Nephew, Half Great Niece/Nephew.

That’s a lot of possibilities! Don’t get overwhelmed – some family tree information may narrow down your relationship. There is not enough information in the amount of DNA shared to determine the exact relationship without looking at known family relationships and family history.

4. Contact DNA Matches

If you don’t recognize the name of your DNA match, write to them and ask them to help you figure out the common ancestor that you share.

A simple example: I had three women with whom I shared between 191-315 cM on my DNA match list.  I could not figure out who they were from their family tree or lack of a family tree, and I had never heard their names before.  I wrote to each of them with a version of the following:

“Hello!

[The DNA company] says that we share ____cM of DNA.  That puts us in the range of 2^nd-3^rd cousins.  I would love to connect with you and figure out our common ancestor.  I have family history information that I would love to share with you.  You can contact me through the [DNA company] messaging system, or via email at [ ___@___.com].  I look forward to hearing from you!”

 They each responded and we figured out that our grandparents were siblings, therefore, our common ancestors are our great-grandparents, which means that we are second cousins.  That new information and connection has opened the door for the sharing of photos, stories, and knowledge about our ancestors.

Don’t be daunted about how to use your DNA results. Start with these 4 simple steps:

1. Review DNA matches for names you recognize

2. Check the amount of shared DNA

3. Calculate possible relationships with the Shared cM Project Tool

4. Contact DNA Matches

As you practice, your confidence will grow, and you will be increasingly prepared to Research Like a Pro with DNA.

 

Other articles in the Research Like a Pro with DNA series:

Step 1 Take a DNA Test: Which DNA Test Should I Take? and DNA-Recommended Testing Strategy
Step 2 Assess: Understanding and Using Your DNA Results – 4 Simple Steps – You Are Here
Step 3 Organize: Seeing the Big Picture: 3 Ways to Chart Your DNA Matches
Step 4 Research Objective:  What Do You Want to Know? 3 Steps to Focus Your DNA Research
Step 5 Analyze your Sources: DNA Sources, Information, and Evidence: Sorting it All Out
Step 6 Locality Research: Where in the World Has My DNA Traveled? DNA and Locality Research
Step 7 Research Planning: Genealogy Research Planning with DNA
Methodology and Tools to use as you plan your research:
– Charts for Understanding DNA Inheritance
– Clustering or Creating Genetic Networks
–  Pedigree Triangulation
– Chromosome Browsers
– Segment Triangulation
– Chromosome Mapping
– DNA Gedcom
Step 8 Source Citations: DNA Source Citations
Step 9 Research Logs: DNA Research Logs: how to keep Track of Genetic Genealogy Searches
Step 10 Report Writing: DNA Research Reports – the Ultimate Finish
Step 11 What’s Next? Continue Your Research & Writing, Productivity, and Education

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