Free templates
Free Genealogy Templates & Excel Worksheets
Organize DNA matches, chromosome segments, relationship hypotheses, haplogroup research, endogamy patterns, correspondence, and traditional genealogy research with a free collection of purpose-built Excel templates.
Genealogy research generates a surprising amount of information. Match lists, chromosome coordinates, family-tree clues, research questions, correspondence, and source searches can quickly become difficult to manage. These free spreadsheets give you structured workspaces for recording and reviewing that information while keeping your research data under your own control.
Online genealogy platforms are excellent for storing family trees, viewing DNA matches, and accessing records. But active research often requires information that does not fit neatly into a family-tree profile or match list.
A spreadsheet gives you a flexible place to record research hypotheses, search history, chromosome segments, follow-up tasks, correspondence, and other information specific to your research process.
What Can You Organize With These Templates?
DNA & Genetic Genealogy
Track DNA matches, chromosome segments, clusters, triangulated groups, shared cM observations, haplogroups, and recurring regions that require additional context.
Traditional Genealogy Research
Document source searches, research questions, negative findings, correspondence, brick-wall hypotheses, and next actions across long-running family-history projects.
Who Are These Templates For?
The collection is designed for genealogists at different experience levels — from beginners building an organized research workflow to experienced researchers managing large DNA datasets, complex ancestral lines, endogamy, or multiple research hypotheses.
Explore the 8 Free Genealogy Templates
Each spreadsheet has a dedicated guide explaining what the template is designed to track, how to use it, and where it fits into a broader genealogy research workflow.
Chromosome Mapping Excel Template
Organize shared DNA segments by chromosome, coordinates, match, and research hypothesis to help investigate which ancestral lines may be associated with different segments.
DNA Cluster Analysis Excel Template
Organize groups of DNA matches and record shared-match patterns, surnames, locations, and research observations that may help identify ancestral branches.
DNA Match Tracker Excel Template
Maintain a structured research record for DNA matches, testing platforms, shared DNA observations, family-tree information, correspondence, and follow-up tasks.
Triangulated Group (TG) Excel Template
Document shared chromosome segments among multiple matches, including coordinates, participants, ancestral hypotheses, and supporting research evidence.
Shared cM Relationship Predictor
Record shared centimorgan observations and compare possible relationship hypotheses while keeping the limitations of cM-based relationship estimates in view.
Y-DNA & mtDNA Haplogroup Tracker
Track direct paternal Y-DNA and direct maternal mtDNA results, haplogroups, subclades, tested relatives, and ancestral-line research.
Endogamy & Pile-Up Region Log
Document recurring chromosome regions, population context, and research observations that may affect interpretation of DNA matches in endogamous or complex populations.
Research & Correspondence Log
Document genealogy searches, sources checked, positive and negative findings, correspondence, research hypotheses, and next actions.
How the Templates Work Together
You do not need to use all eight spreadsheets for every genealogy project. Each template addresses a different part of the research process, and several can be combined when a project becomes more complex.
Use the Research & Correspondence Log to define the problem, document searches, and record the next actions.
Use the DNA Match Tracker to create a structured record of relevant matches and research observations.
Use the Cluster Analysis Template to group matches and the Chromosome Mapping Template to organize segment information.
Use the Shared cM Predictor as one piece of evidence when evaluating possible relationships.
Use the Triangulated Group, Haplogroup, or Endogamy templates when those methods are relevant to your research question.
Keep source information, hypotheses, correspondence, and follow-up actions connected to the broader research project.
Which Genealogy Template Should You Use?
I Need to Organize DNA Matches
Start with the DNA Match Tracker . Add the Cluster Analysis or Chromosome Mapping template as your research becomes more detailed.
I Am Working With Chromosome Segments
Start with the Chromosome Mapping Template and use the Triangulated Group template when you are evaluating shared segments among multiple matches.
I Have a Relationship Hypothesis
Use the Shared cM Predictor to organize possible relationships, while combining the result with genealogical and DNA evidence.
I Am Researching Direct Maternal or Paternal Lines
Use the Y-DNA & mtDNA Haplogroup Tracker to document tested relatives, haplogroups, subclades, and direct-line research.
I Am Working With Endogamy
Use the Endogamy & Pile-Up Region Log to document recurring regions and population context that may affect DNA-match interpretation.
I Keep Losing Track of My Research
Start with the Research & Correspondence Log to document searches, sources, correspondence, hypotheses, and next steps.
Important: Templates Organize Evidence — They Do Not Replace Analysis
These spreadsheets are designed to help you organize and document genealogy research. They do not automatically prove a relationship, identify a specific ancestor, establish IBD, or determine that a DNA match is false.
DNA results are strongest when interpreted together with the relevant testing data, family trees, shared matches, chromosome evidence, documentary records, population history, and other independent evidence.
Use the templates to make your research more structured, transparent, repeatable, and easier to review.
A Simple Genealogy Research Workflow
- Define the ancestor, relationship, DNA match, or research question you are investigating.
- Record the evidence and sources already available.
- Choose the template that best matches the current research task.
- Record your observations consistently rather than relying on memory.
- Compare DNA evidence with documentary and genealogical evidence where appropriate.
- Record unanswered questions and define the next research action.
- Revisit your research log before repeating searches or starting a new research session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all eight genealogy templates free?
Yes. The Excel templates on this page are provided as free downloadable resources from Genetic Voyage.
Do I need Microsoft Excel to use the templates?
The files are provided in .xlsx format and can be opened with Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet applications that support the format, including Google Sheets and Apple Numbers.
Which template should a beginner start with?
If you are new to DNA genealogy, the DNA Match Tracker or Research & Correspondence Log can be a useful starting point. Choose the template that matches the research problem you are currently working on.
Can I use several templates for the same research project?
Yes. The templates are designed to complement one another. For example, a DNA research project may use the Match Tracker, Cluster Analysis, Chromosome Mapping, and Research Log together.
Are these templates connected to a specific DNA testing company?
No. The collection is designed to support genealogy research across commonly used DNA testing and genealogy platforms rather than functioning as a replacement for any one company’s tools.
Can I customize the spreadsheets?
Yes. You can add columns, notes, filters, categories, and other fields that fit your own research workflow.
Do the templates automatically determine DNA relationships?
No. They are organizational and research tools. DNA relationship interpretation requires consideration of the relevant genetic and genealogical evidence.
Where can I find more genealogy research resources?
Explore the Genetic Voyage free checklists , interactive tools , and DNA Academy for additional research guidance.
Start Building a More Organized Genealogy Workflow
Download the free templates you need and keep your DNA research, chromosome data, relationship hypotheses, correspondence, and family-history research organized in one place.
📥 Explore the 8 Free TemplatesDNA 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.