Leeds Method Clustering Checklist
The Leeds Method Clustering Checklist provides Dana Leeds' complete step-by-step workflow for organizing your autosomal DNA matches into four distinct color-coded clusters representing your four biological grandparent lines. Best applied to matches between 40 and 400 cM.
📥 Free Download: Leeds Method Checklist
Printable PDF format • 100% Free • Perfect step-by-step guide for spreadsheet clustering
Matches above 400 cM are usually too close (parents, siblings, aunts/uncles) and will share DNA with multiple grandparent lines, muddying your clusters. Matches below 40 cM introduce genetic noise. Focusing strictly on 40–400 cM cleanly isolates your 2nd and 3rd cousins into 4 grandparent groups.
Step 1 — Prepare Your Match Spreadsheet
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Filter matches strictly between 40 cM and 400 cM
Export or list your matches within the 40–400 cM window across AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, FTDNA, or GEDmatch.
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Exclude close immediate relatives (>400 cM)
Set aside parents, full/half siblings, aunts/uncles, and grandparents so they don't span multiple color columns.
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Set up spreadsheet rows and color columns
Create a spreadsheet listing matches in rows (sorted by cM descending) and empty columns for Color 1, Color 2, Color 3, and Color 4.
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Ensure a working list of at least 20–30 matches
Aim for 20 to 50 matches for optimal cluster formation; if fewer, lower the floor slightly to 30 cM.
Step 2 — Build the Grid, One Color at a Time
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Assign Color 1 to your highest uncolored match
Highlight or mark an X in Column 1 for the top match on your list.
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Pull the shared matches (ICW) for Match 1
Open Match 1's shared matches list (Ancestry Shared Matches, MyHeritage Shared Matches, FTDNA ICW).
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Color every match on that shared list with Color 1
Mark an X or fill the cell in Column 1 for every match that appears on Match 1's shared match list.
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Repeat with Color 2 for the next uncolored match
Move down to the highest match without any color, assign Color 2, and mark all of their shared matches in Column 2.
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Continue for Color 3 and Color 4
Proceed down the list until all matches are assigned to a color group or identified as outliers.
Step 3 — Interpret Your Color Clusters
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Verify up to 4 main color groups
Confirm that your matches form up to four primary clusters corresponding to your four biological grandparents.
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Anchor clusters using known relatives
Use known 2nd cousins or tree-verified matches to label each color group (e.g., "Blue = Paternal Grandfather").
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Identify "bridge" matches spanning two colors
Matches sharing two colors usually connect to ancestors further back (great-grandparents)—flag them for deeper analysis.
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Note blank or weak cluster lines
A missing cluster line can indicate recent immigration, low testing rates in that country, or an unknown parentage branch.
Step 4 — Convert Clusters into Family Tree Proof
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Identify earliest common surnames for each cluster
Compare trees of matches in Cluster 1 to discover their shared ancestral surname and parish locations.
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Cross-reference clusters with traditional documentary records
Use census, birth, marriage, and church records to confirm the exact paper-trail connection for the cluster.
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Log confirmed cluster ancestors in your master log
Record the ancestral couple associated with each color cluster in your master DNA match log.
Endogamy or pedigree collapse (common in isolated regions) can blur clusters together. If your 4 colors won't separate cleanly, re-run the grid raising your lower cM floor from 40 cM up to 90 cM before assuming the method failed.
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.