DNA Genealogy for Dummies
DNA Genealogy:
Start Here
New to DNA genealogy? You do not need to learn everything first. Start with where you are today, and we will show you what to do next.
No genetics degree required. No giant list of things to memorize. Just one small step at a time.
🧭 Your personal DNA roadmap
Answer three tiny questions. We will point you to the best place to start.
What do you have right now?
What do you want most?
How do you feel about DNA genealogy?
📍 Where are you right now?
Pick the one that sounds most like you. There is no wrong answer.
🧪 Your DNA journey — in plain English
You can jump to any step. Think of this as a map, not homework.
⏱️ Your first 10 minutes with DNA matches
When your results are ready, resist the temptation to click everything.
📏 cM without the headache
cM is one of the first numbers you will meet when studying a DNA match.
Several relationships may fit
Around this amount, possibilities can include relationships such as a 2nd cousin, 1st cousin once removed, or other overlapping relationships. Use the number together with shared matches and family trees.
What is cM?
cM means centimorgan. It is commonly used to describe the amount of DNA shared between two people.
A clue, not an answer
Two different relationships can share similar amounts of DNA. That is why cM gives you possibilities rather than a guaranteed answer.
Use it with other clues
Shared matches, surnames, ages, locations and family trees can help turn a DNA number into a real family connection.
🔎 DNA Match Detective
A tiny exercise to teach you what to look at first.
🌳 DNA + family tree = much stronger clues
You do not need a perfect family tree before starting. Build it as you investigate.
1. Start with what you know
Parents, grandparents, surnames, places and approximate dates are enough to begin.
2. Add the DNA clue
Record the match, shared cM and any useful information attached to the match.
3. Look for the overlap
Shared matches and family-tree connections can help reveal which branch the match belongs to.
📁 What is a Raw DNA File?
You may hear about this after your test results arrive. You do not need it to start, but it can become very useful.
Think of it as a copy of your DNA test data. Your testing company can often let you download this file from your account. It is usually a large computer file with lots of letters and numbers that are not meant to be read like a normal document.
One test can sometimes be used in more than one database.
Some services accept raw DNA uploads. This may give you access to additional DNA matches or tools without taking another test, although the features and match databases vary by service.
Uploading DNA is a privacy decision.
Before uploading, read the service's current privacy policy and terms. Make sure you understand how your genetic data may be stored, used and shared.
🧰 What do you need right now?
Choose a task instead of trying to learn “DNA genealogy” all at once.
🧘 You do NOT need to learn this yet
Not at the beginning, anyway. You can come back to these topics later:
- Chromosomes and advanced inheritance concepts
- Haplogroups
- Triangulation
- Phasing
- Segment mapping
- Advanced DNA tools and terminology
🎉 You are ready for the next step
You do not have to understand everything before you begin. Pick one useful action, learn what you need for that action, and then take the next step.