Receiving your DNA test results from AncestryDNA can be thrilling, but terms like centimorgans (cM) and ethnicity estimates can feel daunting. This guide simplifies how to read your results, use tools like GEDmatch, and connect with relatives to build your family tree. Whether you’re new to genealogy or solving a family mystery, learn to navigate your DNA data with ease. Start with our Getting Started with DNA Testing.
Why Interpreting Results Matters
Understanding your DNA results unlocks your family’s history. When I opened my AncestryDNA results, a 200 cM match hinted at a 3rd cousin, but misinterpreting it as a closer relative led me astray until FamilySearch records clarified the connection. Correct interpretation connects you to relatives, verifies ancestry, and avoids errors, making it essential for beginners.
The Power of DNA Data
DNA results provide two main insights: ethnicity estimates and DNA matches. Ethnicity shows your ancestral regions, like my 25% Irish heritage, while matches list relatives sharing DNA. Misreading these, like assuming a 100 cM match is a 2nd cousin, can mislead. Tools like AncestryDNA’s ThruLines help clarify relationships, as detailed in our DNA Matching Guide.
Key Components
- Ethnicity Estimates: Show your ancestral origins (e.g., 30% Scandinavian).
- DNA Matches: List relatives sharing DNA, measured in cM.
- Tools: Features like ThruLines or chromosome browsers.
Decoding Ethnicity Estimates
Ethnicity estimates compare your DNA to reference populations, like those in West Africa or Eastern Europe. My AncestryDNA results showed 25% Irish, later refined to Munster as databases grew. DNA recombination—where your genes mix from ancestors—makes estimates imprecise, so cross-check with FamilySearch records. Learn more at ISOGG.
How Ethnicity Works
Companies like MyHeritage use algorithms to match your DNA to global populations. My Sicilian roots appeared as 15% Southern European, but updates refined it to Sicily. These estimates evolve as databases expand, so checking updates is key. Beginners should focus on matches over estimates for accurate connections.
Tips for Ethnicity
- Check Updates: Databases improve, refining estimates.
- Use Historical Context: Link regions to migrations via FamilySearch.
- Don’t Over-Rely: Matches provide clearer family ties.
Understanding DNA Matches
DNA matches show relatives sharing genetic segments, measured in centimorgans (cM). A cM is a unit of genetic distance; 500 cM might indicate a 1st cousin, while 20 cM suggests a 5th cousin. My 150 cM match on AncestryDNA was a 3rd cousin, confirmed by a 1900 census. GEDmatch helps analyze matches across platforms, as shown in our GEDmatch Tutorial.
Match Categories
- Close Matches (50+ cM): Likely 1st–3rd cousins; contact them first.
- Distant Matches (20–50 cM): Require tree-building to confirm.
- Shared Matches: Show connections between relatives, like a shared ancestor.
Analyzing Matches
Matches are listed by cM, with higher values indicating closer relationships. My 200 cM match shared a great-grandparent, confirmed by FamilySearch. Beginners should build a tree to link matches and use shared matches to find common ancestors.
Using Analysis Tools
DNA platforms offer tools to simplify matching. AncestryDNA’s ThruLines suggested my Irish 3rd cousin, while MyHeritage’s Theory of Family Relativity linked matches to records. FamilyTreeDNA’s chromosome browser and GEDmatch triangulation clarified distant connections.
Available Tools
- AncestryDNA: ThruLines suggests relationships.
- MyHeritage: Theory of Family Relativity links to records.
- FamilyTreeDNA: Chromosome browser shows shared segments.
- GEDmatch: Free tool for cross-platform triangulation.
Maximizing Tools
- Upload DNA to GEDmatch for broader matches.
- Build a tree on Ancestry for better suggestions.
- Use chromosome browsers to confirm shared segments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Missteps can derail your research. I assumed a 100 cM match was a 2nd cousin, but GEDmatch showed it was a 4th cousin. Ignoring a 20 cM match nearly cost me a 1800s ancestor, and not messaging matches delayed a 1870s photo discovery.
Pitfalls
- Misreading cM: Verify relationships with tools, not just cM.
- Ignoring Distant Matches: Small matches can lead to breakthroughs.
- Not Contacting Matches: Messages unlock stories and records.
Avoiding Errors
- Use FamilySearch to verify matches.
- Contact all matches, even low cM.
- Update your tree regularly for better results.
Success Stories
DNA results create life-changing connections. These stories inspire beginners to dive in.
- Emma: Found a Polish ancestor via AncestryDNA ThruLines, sharing a 1900s family letter.
- John: Confirmed a 4th cousin on GEDmatch, linking to a 1700s German ancestor.
- Lisa: Uncovered a French cousin on MyHeritage, verified by records.
- Tom: Found a Swedish relative via FamilyTreeDNA, sharing photos.
Next Steps
Your results are just the start. Keep exploring with these steps to grow your family tree.
- Contact Matches: Message with shared surnames or locations.
- Build a Tree: Use Ancestry. See our Family Tree Guide.
- Join Forums: Share tips on Reddit r/Genealogy.
- Share Your Story: Visit our About Page.
Explore more on our Blog.