DNA Match Tracker Excel Template
DNA Match Tracker Excel Template
Organize, evaluate, and track your DNA matches across multiple testing platforms in one structured research spreadsheet.
Preview of the DNA Match Tracker Excel Template.
What Is a DNA Match Tracker?
A DNA match tracker is a structured research log for recording the DNA matches that are most relevant to your genealogy research. Instead of keeping important match information scattered across different testing websites, browser tabs, notes, and family-tree files, you can keep your research observations together in one place.
A centralized match log can help you compare shared DNA, relationship estimates, family-tree information, surnames, locations, shared matches, and your own research conclusions.
The goal is not to replace the DNA testing company's database. Instead, this spreadsheet gives you a researcher-controlled record that you can organize around your own research questions.
Genetic genealogists often work across several DNA databases. Match information, family trees, usernames, shared cM values, messages, and research notes can therefore become fragmented across multiple platforms.
A master match tracker provides one place to record the matches that matter to your research, making it easier to revisit earlier clues and identify connections as new evidence becomes available.
Who Is This Template For?
- Genetic genealogists working with matches across multiple DNA testing platforms
- Researchers investigating unknown or uncertain family relationships
- Genealogists who want to keep a research history for important DNA matches
- Researchers comparing DNA matches with family trees, surnames, and locations
- Anyone who wants a structured alternative to keeping DNA research notes in scattered documents
Pre-Formatted Columns Included
The worksheet provides dedicated fields for recording the information you may want to compare and revisit during DNA match research:
- Match Name & Username
- Testing Platform
- Total Shared cM & Segment Count
- Largest Segment Size (cM)
- Company Relationship Estimate
- Working Relationship Hypothesis
- Tree Link & Generational Information
- Communication Log & Last Contact Date
Best Use Cases for This Template
- Consolidating important match information from multiple DNA testing platforms
- Keeping track of promising matches that require further investigation
- Recording shared cM values and relationship estimates for later comparison
- Comparing match family trees, surnames, and geographic locations
- Tracking communication with DNA matches and recording follow-up dates
- Recording relationship hypotheses as Confirmed, Probable, or Speculative
- Maintaining a research history as new DNA and genealogical evidence becomes available
Step-by-Step DNA Match Research Workflow
- Add the DNA matches that are relevant to your current research question.
- Record the testing platform, shared cM, segment information, and available relationship estimate.
- Add links to the match's family tree or other relevant genealogical information.
- Record potentially useful surnames, locations, ancestral couples, and shared-match connections.
- Add your current relationship hypothesis and indicate how confident you are in that hypothesis.
- Record communications and follow-up actions so promising matches do not disappear into your old research notes.
- Update the record when new DNA or genealogical evidence changes your understanding of the match.
Important: Shared cM Does Not Identify a Relationship by Itself
The amount of shared DNA can help estimate possible relationships, but the same amount of shared DNA can be consistent with multiple genealogical relationships. Use shared cM together with family trees, ages, documented genealogy, shared matches, segment information where available, and other evidence when evaluating a relationship hypothesis.
Related DNA Research Guides & Tools
- DNA Match Research Checklist
- DNA Relationship Probability Calculator
- Understanding cM & DNA Relationships
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this DNA Match Tracker Excel template free?
Yes. The template is available as a free .xlsx download from Genetic Voyage.
Can I use this template with different DNA testing companies?
Yes. The spreadsheet is designed as a researcher-controlled log, so you can record relevant information from different DNA testing and matching platforms in one place.
Which DNA matches should I add to the tracker?
That depends on your research goals. You might prioritize matches with useful family trees, strong shared DNA, shared matches, relevant surnames or locations, or other evidence that could help answer your current research question.
Is there a specific cM threshold I should use?
There is no single threshold that is appropriate for every DNA research project. The useful range depends on the testing platform, your available matches, the relationship you are investigating, and the type of analysis you are performing.
Can I record DNA matches from AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and FamilyTreeDNA?
Yes. The tracker is intended to organize information from multiple DNA databases. The specific match information available will vary by platform.
Can this template help me identify an unknown relationship?
It can help you organize and compare the evidence, but the spreadsheet itself does not determine a relationship. Use the recorded DNA, genealogical, and family-tree evidence to develop and test relationship hypotheses.
Can I use the template in Google Sheets?
Yes. The template is provided as an .xlsx file and can generally be opened in Google Sheets and Apple Numbers. Some spreadsheet-specific formatting or features may behave differently between applications.
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.