DNA Match Research Checklist
The DNA Match Research Checklist provides a standardized 5-step auditing workflow for every significant new DNA match. Spend 5 to 10 minutes running through this list for every key match to eliminate duplicate detective work and transform raw cM counts into verified ancestral connections.
📥 Free Download: DNA Match Research Checklist
Printable PDF format • 100% Free • Includes Shared cM Quick Reference Guide
3,330–3,720 cM: Parent / Child or Identical Twin
2,300–3,400 cM: Full Sibling
1,300–2,300 cM: Grandparent, Aunt/Uncle, Half-Sibling, Niece/Nephew
575–1,330 cM: 1st Cousin, Great-Grandparent, Great-Aunt/Uncle, Half-Aunt/Uncle
200–850 cM: 1st Cousin Once Removed (1C1R), Half-1st Cousin
90–450 cM: 2nd Cousin, 1st Cousin Twice Removed (1C2R)
25–200 cM: 2nd Cousin Once Removed (2C1R), 3rd Cousin
Note: cM ranges overlap significantly—always cross-check with shared matches and tree research.
Step 1 — Record the Core Match Metrics
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Match name / username
Copy the exact name or screen handle displayed on the testing platform.
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Testing company platform
Record platform (AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, FTDNA, LivingDNA) as cM calculations vary slightly.
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Total shared centimorgans (cM) & segment count
Log the exact total cM figure and total number of shared chromosomal segments.
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Largest segment size (cM)
Locate the single largest segment length in the chromosome browser—critical for distinguishing relationship tiers.
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Date match audited / date first logged
Record an explicit calendar date to accurately track follow-up windows for outreach.
Step 2 — Audit the Match's Family Tree
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Check tree availability and generation depth
Note whether the tree is public, private, or unlinked, and count generations back to earliest ancestors.
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Scan for shared ancestral surnames & location overlaps
Compare surnames (including spelling variants like Andersson/Anderson) and shared birth/residence parishes.
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Identify obvious Most Recent Common Ancestors (MRCAs)
Record the name, birth year, and location of any common ancestor visible directly from linked trees.
Step 3 — Cross-Reference Shared Matches (In Common With)
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Pull the full shared matches (ICW) list
Review all matches who share DNA with both you and the target match (Ancestry Shared Matches, MyHeritage Shared DNA Matches, FTDNA ICW).
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Identify anchored relatives in the shared list
Label known relatives in the cluster to determine if the match belongs to your maternal or paternal line.
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Group shared matches by suspected ancestral couple
Assign a working group label (e.g., "Possible Skåne Andersson Line") to seed your cluster research.
Step 4 — Execute Targeted Outreach (If Needed)
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Send a concise, specific initial message
Include shared cM, suspected ancestral surnames, and specific geographic locations in your opening message.
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Ask for their earliest known ancestor in the line
Request names, birth years, and locations for their earliest documented line relevant to your shared cluster.
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Log message date and set a 2–3 week follow-up reminder
Set a calendar reminder for 2–3 weeks; after two polite attempts with no reply, mark as "No Response".
Step 5 — Log, File & Classify Confidence
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Enter match into your master DNA match spreadsheet
Record name, platform, total cM, largest segment, tree URL, suspected ancestor, and confidence level.
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Assign a standardized confidence label
Classify hypothesis as Confirmed (paper trail + DNA), Probable (strong DNA cluster), or Speculative (surname/location match only).
Never rely solely on a testing company's broad relationship label. A predicted "2nd–3rd Cousin" can range from a Half-1st Cousin to a 3rd Cousin Once Removed. Always sanity-check estimates against cM charts, shared matches, and largest segment lengths.
DNA Academy - Quick Answers
What formats are your free templates available in?
Our templates are available as downloadable Excel/Google Sheets files (for digital tracking).
How do I use a research log effectively?
A research log helps you track which records you’ve searched, what you found, and what’s still missing. We recommend filling it out as you go, it prevents duplicate searches and helps you identify patterns. Our template includes columns for date, source, location, and findings.
Are the templates available in languages other than English?
Currently, our templates are in English only. We are exploring translations into Swedish, Spanish, and German based on user requests. If you need a specific language, contact us and we’ll prioritize it.