Understanding Results: Family Finder

  1. What do I receive when I get tested for the Family Finder? faq id: 346
  2. If I have already taken Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) tests, why do I need the Family Finder test? What will I learn from Family Finder testing? faq id: 388
  3. How does the Family Finder test differ from Family Tree DNA’s other tests? faq id: 598
  4. How does Family Finder determine connections between cousins? faq id: 601
  5. Is everyone on my Family Finder list my relative? faq id: 602
  6. How accurate is Family Finder’s Relationship Range? faq id: 603
  7. How many data points does the Family Finder test use? faq id: 604
  8. Is the Family Finder test medical? faq id: 605
  9. May I download my Family Finder raw data? faq id: 606
  10. How many SNPs does the Family Finder program use to determine an Identical by Descent (IBD) segment? faq id: 607
  11. How much genetic sharing is needed for two people to be considered a Family Finder match? faq id: 608
  12. How does the Family Finder program account for the centromere? faq id: 609
  13. Where are the centromeres located on each autosomal chromosome? faq id: 610
  14. Will everyone in the Family Tree DNA database be available to match through Family Finder? faq id: 611
  15. I have tested my husband, our child, and myself. Why does our child have matches that neither parent has? faq id: 612
  16. Why aren’t my Family Finder matches in the same haplogroup? faq id: 613
  17. I know that my cousin has tested. Why isn't this cousin on my Family Finder match list? faq id: 614
  18. I have multiple family members who have joined Family Tree DNA. Why does the same cousin get different Suggested Relationships for each of us? faq id: 615
  19. Family Finder says our Relationship Range is 2nd to 4th cousins. Is it possible that our relationship is more distant? faq id: 616
  20. How does it affect my results if some of my ancestors married their relatives? faq id: 621
  21. How many ancestors do I have? faq id: 622
  22. How do I calculate cousinship? faq id: 623
  23. What percentage of our common ancestors’ DNA do I share with my cousin? faq id: 624
  24. How will I know about new Family Finder Matches? faq id: 625
  25. How many generations does Family Finder analyze or predict? faq id: 626
  26. What is the probability that my relative and I share enough DNA for Family Finder to detect? faq id: 628
  27. Are there any exceptions or special cases in how our DNA is inherited that would affect my predicted relationship and range? faq id: 629
  28. Does Family Finder test any mutations from inside my genes? Does it only test non-coding DNA? faq id: 632
  29. Can Family Finder tell the difference between a sibling and a cousin? faq id: 653
  30. How does the Family Finder test work? faq id: 798
  31. Is this like traditional autosomal siblingship tests? faq id: 799
  32. Can I use the Family Finder test as a legal paternity test? faq id: 800
  33. Does the Family Finder test show a relationship between a male and a female? faq id: 801
  34. Do I have to order a Y-DNA or mtDNA test to use the Family Finder test? faq id: 802
  35. If I already have an autosomal DNA test, can I use those results for the Family Finder? faq id: 804
  36. In the past, you have said that autosomal DNA cannot be used for genealogy. What has changed? faq id: 805
  37. How much of my autosomal DNA does Family Finder test? faq id: 806
  38. It mentions connections for five generations; will it say which generation of the five? faq id: 807
  39. Is there somewhere where I can see a demonstration of how the results will look? faq id: 808
  40. How do my match and I know on which line the connection took place? How can I tell on which side my matches are related (mother or father)? faq id: 812
  41. I have many Family Finder matches in the "4th - remote cousin" and "5th - remote cousin" ranges. I cannot find the connection. Are these false positives? faq id: 813
  42. What computer software do you recommend that I have to access my Family Finder test results? faq id: 814
  43. Who is the best person to test? faq id: 815
  44. I just ordered the test; now what? faq id: 816
  45. How soon will I have results? faq id: 817
  46. I just got my results; now what? faq id: 818
  47. How do I read my Family Finder raw data file? faq id: 819
  48. What are the possible relationships for a Family Finder match? faq id: 826
  49. On the Chromosome Browser page, what are the matching regions? faq id: 843
  50. Is it meaningful when two or more of my matches have a DNA segment or segments in the same location? faq id: 844
  51. If I have two matches with over lapping DNA segments, how will I know if they have those segments in common? faq id: 845
  52. What exactly do the centiMorgan values for DNA segments mean? faq id: 846
  53. How do you determine the centiMorgan value for a DNA segment? faq id: 847
  54. Are there limitations to the current recombination rates? faq id: 848
  55. Are the areas with extremely high and low centiMorgan values related to SNP Rich and SNP poor areas? faq id: 849
  56. If two DNA segments look about the same length, why aren’t they the same number of centiMorgans? faq id: 850
  57. If two people share part of the same DNA segment with me, will the centiMorgan value for each segment be proportional to how long the segments look? faq id: 851
  58. Is it more significant if two of my matches have identical start and stop points than if the segments simply overlap? faq id: 852
  59. You talk about matching DNA Segments. Is there a minimum number of matching segments in order for two people to be considered a match? faq id: 853
  60. Several of my immediate known relatives share a matching segment with me. Why aren't the start and stop points of our matching segments exactly the same? faq id: 854
  61. Does the Family Finder test use mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) test results? faq id: 889
  62. Does the Family Finder test use Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) test results? faq id: 890
  63. Does the Family Finder test involve the use of the turboencabulator? faq id: 891
  64. Does the Family Finder test use X-chromosome DNA (X-DNA) test results? faq id: 1005
  65. My Y-DNA close match is not showing in my Family Finder matches, why? faq id: 1007
  66. I have a close match. We cannot find any common names or ancestors on my Family Finder match list. Why can't we? faq id: 1009
  67. I used a third party tool to analyze my and a relative's results. They are different from my Family Finder results. Why is this? faq id: 1665

Questions and Answers

  1. What do I receive when I get tested for the Family Finder? faq id: 346

    Family Finder provides analysis of your ethnic percentages and connects you with relatives descended from any of your ancestral lines from approximately the most recent five to six generations. Because Family Finder uses autosomal DNA (inherited from both of your parents, your four grandparents, your eight great-grandparents, etc.), it offers the greatest opportunity to discover your genetic cousins.

    When you take the Family Finder test, you receive a myFTDNA 2.0 account. This is a password protected personal page with the following information:

    • Your Genetic Cousins - If you have matching relatives in the Family Finder database, you will see a list with the names, the level of matching (nephew/niece, grand-parent, 1st cousin, 4th cousin, etc.), and the e-mail addresses so that you can contact them and exchange genealogical information.
    • Match Visualization Tools - The chromosome browser allows you to compare your actual matching DNA so that you can verify the level of connection
    • Ethnic Percentages - The Population Finder program provides the percentage breakdown of your compounded ancestral origin.

    Click here to order a Family Finder test.

    See also: The Family Finder User Guide.

    Here are screen shots of results pages.

    myFTDNA 2.0 Account

    (+Click Image to Enlarge)

    Family Finder - Matches

    (+Click Image to Enlarge)

    Family Finder - Population Finder

    (+Click Image to Enlarge)

     
    Finding Your Roots Henry Louis Gates

  2. If I have already taken Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) tests, why do I need the Family Finder test? What will I learn from Family Finder testing? faq id: 388

    The Family Finder test adds to the information provided by Y-chromosome DNA and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) tests. It allows you to trace your other lineages such as your father's mother's father and your mother's father's mother.

  3. How does the Family Finder test differ from Family Tree DNA’s other tests? faq id: 598

    The Family Finder test traces all of your ancestral lines. It uses your autosomal DNA to identify confidently relationships for five generations. This is different from our mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) tests. They trace clearly and exclusively the direct maternal or paternal lines.

    See also:

  4. How does Family Finder determine connections between cousins? faq id: 601

    Family Finder detects your near and distant cousins by comparing your autosomal DNA with that of other Family Tree DNA customers. If two people share identical segments of DNA, they may share a recent ancestor. When the Family Finder program finds matching segments, it determines if the segments are Identical by Descent (IBD). If they are determined to be IBD, the Family Finder program calculates the relationship based on the shared segments' number and size.

  5. Is everyone on my Family Finder list my relative? faq id: 602

    The Family Finder program has calculated all of your matches to be your relatives within the relationship range. Family Tree DNA uses stringent standards for the relationship range and for the degree of relatedness. Thus, only those determined with high confidence to be your actual genetic relatives are included.

  6. How accurate is Family Finder’s Relationship Range? faq id: 603

    The Family Finder's relationship ranges cover most possible relationships between two people. They takes into account several factors. These include the total number of shared DNA segments (blocks) and the total number of centiMorgans. For the immediate and close relationship ranges, this is highly accurate. The nature of autosomal DNA means that the expected values vary more in the distant cousins range. Thus the rangers are wider, they are still highly accurate within given ranges though.

    The speculative category is exactly that.

  7. How many data points does the Family Finder test use? faq id: 604

    The FamilyFinder test uses the Illumina OmniExpress microarray chip. The chip includes about 696,800 autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

    Note: After quality control improvements in chips manufactured on or after December 2012, Illumina reduced the number of SNPs on the OmniExpress chip from the original 707,000 SNPs to 696,800. However, we have evaluated the FamilyFinder matching program and validated that the change does not adversely affect our FamilyFinder matching program.

    Illumina has explained the change, "It's the same product, same core content, and everybody who uses it [the chip] is seeing the same change..." As the science behind the chips advances, Illumina updates the platform accordingly. The change will be seen by all companies who use the Illumina OmniExpress chip though timing may vary with individual company inventory.

  8. Is the Family Finder test medical? faq id: 605

    No, it is not.

  9. May I download my Family Finder raw data? faq id: 606

    Yes, Family Tree DNA makes the raw results file from your Family Finder test available for you to download. To download your raw results:

    1. Login to your myFTDNA account. (https://www.familytreedna.com/login.aspx)
    2. Go to the Family Finder - Download Raw Data page.
    3. Click on the Autosomal Results file link.

  10. How many SNPs does the Family Finder program use to determine an Identical by Descent (IBD) segment? faq id: 607

    The Family Finder program declares a DNA segment to be Identical by Descent (IBD) if it contains at least 500 matching SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) in series.

    Note: This has not changed with the conversion to the Illumina Omni platform.

  11. How much genetic sharing is needed for two people to be considered a Family Finder match? faq id: 608

    For the program to consider two people a potential match, the largest matching DNA segment between two people must be at least 5.5 centiMorgans (cM) long.* The program then uses additional matching segments to confirm the relationship and to calculate the degree of relatedness.

    Based on the extensive Family Finder database, it is rare for two genuine genealogical cousins to have a largest shared segment of less than 7 cM and one less than 6 cM is exceptional.

    See also: How does the Family Finder test work?

    *  updated from 5 cM 15 Aug. 2012

  12. How does the Family Finder program account for the centromere? faq id: 609

    The Bioinformatics team treats the centromeres as SNP Poor regions. We use a hard stop for matching across each centromere. This assures that DNA segments (blocks) are truly Identical by Descent (IBD) and not Identical by State (IBS). If you seem to have an IBD segment that crosses the centromere, we evaluate it as two segments, one on each side of the centromere.

  13. Where are the centromeres located on each autosomal chromosome? faq id: 610

    We are using the start and stop points shown below for each centromere. These are in accordance with the Illumina OmniExpress microarray chip.

    ChromosomeStart (Position)Stop (Position)
    1 121048139 142185031
    2 89877778 95709245
    3 89392096 95019980
    4 48694599 52401027
    5 45793062 50501672
    6 58276111 63405808
    7 57399776 61385229
    8 43186096 48105627
    9 46276246 65360007
    10 38779433 42104979
    11 51382454 56400162
    12 33199289 36514518
    13 13500000 18400000
    14 13600000 19100000
    15 14100000 18400000
    16 34375290 45007538
    17 22066299 23203917
    18 15365878 17315223
    19  24354405 32455280
    20  25678968 29267954
    21 9935312 13290191
    22 9600000 16300000

  14. Will everyone in the Family Tree DNA database be available to match through Family Finder? faq id: 611

    No, only our customers who order the Family Finder test and opt into our Family Finder database will be available to match.

  15. I have tested my husband, our child, and myself. Why does our child have matches that neither parent has? faq id: 612

    It is possible for a child to have matches that their parents do not due to compound DNA segments. If one segment from each parent is adjacent and the child inherits both, the result is a compound segment. This resulting compound segment looks like one larger shared segment that matches with a cousin.

    Mother, Mari Onni    
    NameSNP Set
    .2
    0
    0
    4    		2
    0
    0
    5    		2
    0
    0
    6    		2
    0
    0
    7    		2
    0
    0
    8    		2
    0
    0
    9    		2
    0
    1
    0    		2
    0
    1
    1    		2
    0
    1
    2    		2
    0
    1
    3    		2
    0
    1
    4    		.
      Half Identical Region Match   Non-Match  
    Mari Onni                                    
    Matching Cousin                                     
    Father, Peter Wiscured
    NameSNP Set
    .2
    0
    0
    4    		2
    0
    0
    5    		2
    0
    0
    6    		2
    0
    0
    7    		2
    0
    0
    8    		2
    0
    0
    9    		2
    0
    1
    0    		2
    0
    1
    1    		2
    0
    1
    2    		2
    0
    1
    3    		2
    0
    1
    4    		.
      Half Identical Region Match   Non-Match  
    Peter Wiscured                                     
    Matching Cousin                                     
    Daughter, Margo Wiscured
    NameSNP Set
    .2
    0
    0
    4    		2
    0
    0
    5    		2
    0
    0
    6    		2
    0
    0
    7    		2
    0
    0
    8    		2
    0
    0
    9    		2
    0
    1
    0    		2
    0
    1
    1    		2
    0
    1
    2    		2
    0
    1
    3    		2
    0
    1
    4    		.
      Half Identical Region Match   Non-Match  
    Margo Wiscured                                     
    Matching Cousin                                     

    This may lead to the child having matches that the parents do not. The probability of this happening is dependent on the degree of shared ancestry between the parents. The more shared ancestry they have the more likely their children will have compound segments.

    For example, Margo Wiscured is the daughter of Peter and Mari (Onni) Wiscured. She shares a 5.19 cM block on chromosome 6 and another five small segments for a total of 19 cM with Ed Blet. The program calculates that Ed to be her 5th - Remote Cousin. Ed is not on the match lists of Margo's parents.

    Upon in depth evaluation, Margo's mother, Mari, shares several small matching segments with Ed Blet. One of these is the SNP Set #2012 that runs from 1525402 to 1525603. This is a small amount of DNA and is only about .81 cM. Mari and Ed share additional small segments for a total of 15.37 cM. Although they do have common ancestry, it is well before the genealogical period.

    Margo's father, Peter, shares a common segment with Ed Blet that starts at SNP Set #2006 and ends at SNP Set #2011. This forms a small segment that runs from 112510 to 1524189 and is 4.39 cM. Peter and Ed also share other small segments for a total of 18 cM. The likely source is a remote relationship that predates the genealogical time frame.

    By coincidence, the two smaller segments from each of Margo's parents have formed a compound segment that looks like a larger segment. Because Margo also inherited many small shared (with Ed) segments from each parent, the program triggers a match calculation for her but not her parents.

    Such matches will most often fall into the Speculative Relative category. The true relationship will be on the more remote end of the range. That is, the parents and the child are almost surely share a relationship with the remote cousin within twenty generations. However, the relationship is unlikely to be from genealogical times.

    This is one reason we recommend matches in the Speculative Relative category only be used to evaluate matches between known cousins, i.e., 5th through 8th cousins on a documented lineage. You might also consider them when many family members share the same suggested relationship.

    Note: The Bioinformatics team periodically reviews the start and stop points for the blocks. They may be different from the examples used here.

  16. Why aren’t my Family Finder matches in the same haplogroup? faq id: 613

    Family Finder tests for matches to any of your ancestral lines. Your mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup is specific to your direct maternal line. If you are male, your Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) haplogroup is specific your direct paternal line. It is normal for your cousins to have mtDNA and Y-DNA haplogroups from their direct maternal and direct paternal lines. These lines will often be different from your own lines.

  17. I know that my cousin has tested. Why isn't this cousin on my Family Finder match list? faq id: 614

    The more generations there are between you and your cousin's common ancestor, the more possible it is that you and your cousin did not inherit the same segment of DNA from that common ancestor. Inheritance is a random process. Thus, you may find that you do not share a detectable amount of DNA with a known 4th cousin, yet that you do share some DNA with your 5th to 8th cousins.

  18. I have multiple family members who have joined Family Tree DNA. Why does the same cousin get different Suggested Relationships for each of us? faq id: 615

    The Family Finder program bases the relationship range on individual calculations between two sets of DNA results. You and each of your close relatives inherited different amounts and different combinations of DNA from your common ancestor. Thus, the calculations will not be the same. Your actual relationship should fall within the relationship ranges.

  19. Family Finder says our Relationship Range is 2nd to 4th cousins. Is it possible that our relationship is more distant? faq id: 616

    Yes, the actual genealogical relationship between you and your cousin may be closer or more distant than the relationship range. For example, the actual relationship might be 4th cousin twice removed.

    See also:

  20. How does it affect my results if some of my ancestors married their relatives? faq id: 621

    If your ancestors married their relatives, you may appear more closely related to your matches than you actually are. This is not uncommon. Although the highest occurrence we see is in endogenous populations such as Ashkenazi Jews, intermarriage of occurs in any population where geographic boundaries or society encourages people to marry within a subset of the larger population. The impact to Family Finder results varies. It depends on how closely related these family members were, the frequency of marriages between your ancestors, and how recently they occurred.

    There are two factors in sharing between genetic cousins with multiple lines of descent from a common ancestor or multiple common ancestral lines. The first one is increased overall sharing.

    The amount of increased average sharing is additive. It is calculated by adding together the amounts of expected sharing for each known relationship.

    See FAQ #624 for more information.
    Relationship Expected Sharing
    4th Cousin 0.195%
    4th Cousin once Removed 0.098%
    7th Cousin 0.003%

    Thus, if you share two lines of descent with a cousin at the 4th cousin level, one line at the 4th cousin once removed level, and on line at the 7th cousin level, your expected sharing would be 0.195% + 0.195% + 0.098% + 0.003% = 0.491% rather than the 0.195% of a 4th cousin who is related in only one way. Keep in mind that the expected percentages are averaged. Any one relationship could have significantly more or less sharing.

    The second factor when more than one line of descent in common is many smaller common identical by descent segments rather than the expected levels of some large, medium, and small segments. Over time and depending on the degree of intermarriage in the population. These blocks may become common to a significant percentage of the population group.

    Note: Beginning on April 21, 2011, the Bioinformatics team has implemented a set of calculations that detects and compensates for inter-relatedness in the Ashkenazi Jewish population.

    See also:

  21. How many ancestors do I have? faq id: 622

    The answer to this question has two components. For each generation there are the number of possible unique ancestors and the number of actual unique ancestors.

    The number of possible ancestors doubles with every generation. You have two possible parents, four possible grandparents, eight possible 1st great-grandparents, sixteen possible 2nd great-grandparents, and so on.

    Eventually, the number of potential ancestors in a generation exceeds the number of people alive on Earth in that generation. Therefore, it is not possible for every ancestor to be unique within a pedigree. The genealogist Robert C. Gunderson coined this as "pedigree collapse."

    For example, if someone's parents are second cousins, the number of possible 2nd great-grandparents is sixteen. However, the number of actual unique 2nd great-grandparents is only fourteen. In the pedigree chart below, the parent of the father's father's father and the parents of the mother's mother's father are the same couple.

    A Classic Pedigree Chartimage

    (click image for full size)

    A Chart with Pedigree Collapseimage2

    (click image for full size)

    The amount of pedigree collapse seen in an individual pedigree depends on local marriage patterns. In a recent paper (Lachance et al 2009), the authors calculated the number of actual ancestors over ten generations using different degrees of relatedness. This table summarizes the results.

    (click image for full size)

    *Outbred -Your relatives themselves were not related.

  22. How do I calculate cousinship? faq id: 623

    To calculate the genealogical relationship between to people, you compare the relationship to their common ancestor. It is often easiest to do this using a chart like the one below.

    For example, you and your relative share a common ancestor, Emmet Wiscured. Emmet is your 4th great-grandfather. He is your cousin's 3rd great-grandfather. To use the chart, start with you. Look across the headings at the top to find 4th great-grandparent. Then look down the left most column for your cousin's relationship of 3rd great-grandparent. Find the point on the chart where the 4th great-grandparent column and 3rd great-grandparent row meet. This shows that you and your relative are 4th cousins once removed.

    (click image for full size)

  23. What percentage of our common ancestors’ DNA do I share with my cousin? faq id: 624

    In general, you share an average of 50% less DNA with an ancestor with each additional generation. To find how much DNA you likely share with a cousin, consider that they have also inherited 50% less DNA with each generation. A modified version of the genealogical relationship chart shows this.

    (click image for full size)

    For example, you and your relative share a common ancestor, Emmet Wiscured. Emmet is your 4th great-grandfather. He is your cousin's 3rd great-grandfather. To use the chart, start with you. Look across the headings at the top to find 4th great-grandparent. Then look down the left column for your cousin's relationship of 3rd great-grandparent. Find the point on the chart where the 4th great-grandparent column and 3rd great-grandparent row meet. You and your relative should share .098% of your common ancestors' DNA.

    This is an average. The amount of each grandparent's DNA passed on to you is random. Thus, the amount of DNA that you share with a particular cousin will be much more or much less.

  24. How will I know about new Family Finder Matches? faq id: 625

    We will send an e-mail notification once a day of new Family Finder matches calculated to be 3rd cousins or closer. We do not send notifications for Family Finder matches that are more distant than 3rd cousins.

    We send e-mail notifications out at about 8 PM Central Time. We send them the day after we upload results to the database to allow a full 24 hours for matching calculations to complete and be visible. Due to this, you may see new matches on the Family Finder - Matches page of your myFTDNA account before you receive a notification.

    See also:

  25. How many generations does Family Finder analyze or predict? faq id: 626

    The Family Finder program determines relationships for up to five generations. We will return data and matches that are more distant. However, we established the confidence interval based on the level of quality to which Family Tree DNA customers deserve and expect.

    Note: This has not changed with the conversion to the Illumina Omni platform. The increase in the number or SNPs tested is not sufficient to make a noticeable difference in most matching.

  26. What is the probability that my relative and I share enough DNA for Family Finder to detect? faq id: 628

    If your relationship is within recent generations (2nd cousins or more recent relatives), Family Finder is almost sure to detect your relationship. Testing will also detect many 3rd cousins and about half of your 4th cousins. It will detect a small percentage of 5th and more distant cousins.

    Chances of finding a match:
    RelationshipMatch Probability
    2nd cousins or closer > 99%
    3rd cousin > 90%
    4th cousin > 50%
    5th cousin > 10%
    6th cousin and more distant Remote (typically less than 2%)

    For example, if you have 100 of your 3rd cousins test, Family Finder will detect about 90 of them as your 3rd cousins. It will not detect the other 10.

    Family Finder only detects a small percentage of 5th cousins and relatives that are more distant. However, the number of such cousins in the population increases exponentially with each generation. This means that if 1,000 of your distant cousins test, you can expect to see a few of them in the Speculative Relative category.

    For genealogists, it is best to use Family Finder to prove recent relationships (1 to 5 generations). However, after testing, you may discover distant cousins.

  27. Are there any exceptions or special cases in how our DNA is inherited that would affect my predicted relationship and range? faq id: 629

    Yes, there are exceptions to the way inheritance normally works. One example is a type of mutation called an inversion. In an inversion, a segment of DNA has detached and then re-attached in the reverse direction. The segment is therefore flipped so that it reads backwards compared to the rest of the DNA sequence.

    Inverted segments of DNA cannot recombine. A child will inherit that entire segment or none of it. When two distantly related people inherit the same long inverted segment, it makes them seem more closely related than they actually are.

    The chance that two distant relatives will both inherit the inverted segment of DNA decreases with every generation. This makes it less likely that both distant relatives will inherit the block, but it is still possible.

    Our test cannot detect if you have inverted segments of DNA, nor are inversions the only possible mutation that can have a similar effect on your predicted relationship. Inversions though are a reason for you to have a long (in centiMorgans) segment in common with a distant cousin.

  28. Does Family Finder test any mutations from inside my genes? Does it only test non-coding DNA? faq id: 632

    The Family Finder test uses autosomal SNPs from across your entire genome. This includes mutations both inside and outside of your genes.

  29. Can Family Finder tell the difference between a sibling and a cousin? faq id: 653

    Yes, Family Finder is able to tell a sibling or a parent from a close cousin.

    For example, a half sibling will fall in one of these categories.

    Relationship Range Suggested Relationship
    Full Siblings, Half Siblings, Grandparent/Grandchild Full Siblings
    Full Siblings, Half Siblings, Grandparent/Grandchild, Aunt/Uncle, Niece/Nephew Grandparent/Grandchild,
    Half Siblings
    Half Siblings, Grandparent/Grandchild, Aunt/Uncle Niece/Nephew Aunt/Uncle,
    Niece/Nephew
    1st Cousin, Half Siblings, Grandparent/Grandchild, Aunt/Uncle, Niece/Nephew 1st Cousin

    In contrast, a 2nd cousin will fall in one of these categories.

    Relationship Range Suggested Relationship
    1st Cousin - 2nd Cousin 2nd Cousin
    1st Cousin - 3rd Cousin 2nd Cousin
    2nd Cousin - 3rd Cousin 2nd Cousin
    2nd Cousin - 4th Cousin 3rd Cousin

  30. How does the Family Finder test work? faq id: 798

    The Family Finder test works by comparing your autosomal DNA to that of other people in our database who have taken the test. The program calculates your relationship with a match based on sharing linked segments of DNA. Any two people from the same population may share some DNA. However, as matching segments of DNA become longer and as you share more segments, it is unlikely to be a chance match. The sharing is due to a recent common ancestor.

    RSID,CHROMOSOME,POSITION,RESULT
    "rs12209455","6","112510","AG"
    "rs6596790","6","114141","CC"
    "rs1535051","6","125959","AA"
    ...

    The Family Finder test process starts with a microarray chip. It returns results for about 710,000 pairs of data points on your 22 autosomal chromosomes. The data points, SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), are variants in the human genome. You inherit each pair with one value that comes from your mother and another that comes from your father. As it is not possible to tell which value comes from each parent, the program reports the values in a standard order, i.e., if it reports a SNP's values as AG, the A could come from your mother or your father.

    The program next organizes results sequentially by their location on the autosomal chromosomes.

    SNPs Sets on Chromosome 6
    SNP
    Set    		centiMorgans (cM)StartStop
    2006 0.952442803 112510 402747
    2007 0.42626673 405732 667716
    2008 0.730014591 667957 942118
    2009 0.682739434 943062 1102946
    2010 0.748474474 1106892 1306843
    2011 0.846707416 1306995 1524189
    2012 0.807514144 1525402 1525603
    .
    Matching on Chromosome 6
    NameSNP Set
    .2
    0
    0
    4    		2
    0
    0
    5    		2
    0
    0
    6    		2
    0
    0
    7    		2
    0
    0
    8    		2
    0
    0
    9    		2
    0
    1
    0    		2
    0
    1
    1    		2
    0
    1
    2    		2
    0
    1
    3    		2
    0
    1
    4    		.
      Half Identical Region Match   Non-Match  
    Peter Wiscured                          
    Cousin                          

    The Family Finder software clusters the SNPs into sets that are about 50 to 100 SNPs long. The Bioinformatics team has predefined the SNP sets based on contributing SNPs' reliability, variability, average centiMorgans (cM), density, and other statistical considerations.

    For example, the chart on the left shows seven SNP sets with their database ID, start point, and stop point.

    The software next evaluates SNP sets for matching. They may either be half-identical or a non-match. A half-identical match means that one of the values for each SNP is a match between the two samples. Nocalls (where the test did not return clear data) and the potential for random miscalls are taken into account in the match process.

    For example, the Matching on Chromosome 6 table on the left shows Peter Wiscured matches a cousin on SNP set blocks #2006 through #2011. The SNP Sets on Chromosome 6 table shows that #2006 starts at 112510 and that #2011 ends at 1524189.

    The program then analyzes adjacent SNP sets to see if they qualify as identical by descent (IBD) segments. The DNA Segment is considered IBD if it contains at least 500 SNPs, and it is at least 1 cMs long.

    Using Peter Wiscured and his cousin's match again, their shared segment on chromosome 6 from SNP set #2006 through #2011 is a total of 4.39 cM (4.386645448 rounded to two decimal places) long. It is then an IBD segment.

    The program uses, the number, size, and total size of shared DNA segments to determine how recently any two people are related.

    Note: The Bioinformatics team periodically reviews the start and stop points for the SNP sets. They may differ from the examples.

    See also:

  31. Is this like traditional autosomal siblingship tests? faq id: 799

    Both tests use your autosomal DNA and are able to detect very recent relationships such as parents, siblings, and half siblings. However, there are notable differences between them.

    Traditional parentage and siblingship tests use autosomal short tandem repeats (STRs). The Family Finder test uses single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). STRs provide more resolution per marker than SNPs. However, Family Finder test uses such a large number of SNPs that it is able to detect and calculate the degree of relationship for up to five generations of close and distant relatives. This makes Family Finder a higher resolution test than traditional autosomal tests.

    Note though that Family Finder is not a legal relationship test even though it offers higher resolution results.

  32. Can I use the Family Finder test as a legal paternity test? faq id: 800

    No, the Family Finder test is not a legal paternity or siblingship test. The Family Finder test is not AABB accredited. If you are interested in a legal AABB accredited test then you may contact our sister site, DNA Findings (http://www.dnafindings.com).

  33. Does the Family Finder test show a relationship between a male and a female? faq id: 801

    Yes. Men and women inherit autosomal DNA the same way. Therefore, the Family Finder test will detect matches to your relatives regardless of their gender.

  34. Do I have to order a Y-DNA or mtDNA test to use the Family Finder test? faq id: 802

    No, you may order our autosomal Family Finder test, mtDNA tests, and Y-DNA tests separately.

  35. If I already have an autosomal DNA test, can I use those results for the Family Finder? faq id: 804

    In most cases, the answer is no. This is because the technology and resolution of autosomal DNA tests has changed in the last year. The Family Finder test uses a high-resolution microarray (SNP) chip that contains over 710,000 data points (loci). Older biogeographical tests used a few dozen short tandem repeat (STR) markers or a few hundred single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers.

  36. In the past, you have said that autosomal DNA cannot be used for genealogy. What has changed? faq id: 805

    Genetics and genetic tests are rapidly changing fields. Two of the changes are that more data points (loci) are available and that the price of testing is dropping for new technologies. This is the first time that a microarray chip has been available that offers a genealogical resolution -enough data points tested- at a price that makes it a good value.

  37. How much of my autosomal DNA does Family Finder test? faq id: 806

    The microarray chip used for the Family Finder tests about .024% of your autosomal DNA.

  38. It mentions connections for five generations; will it say which generation of the five? faq id: 807

    Your results from the Family Finder test will contain two calculated relationships. These will help you determine your relationship. They are the relationship range and the suggested relationship. The relationship range provides the most recent and the most distant relationships. The suggested relationship provides the most likely relationship.

  39. Is there somewhere where I can see a demonstration of how the results will look? faq id: 808

    You may login to our myFTDNA account demonstration page to see an example of the matching and tool pages we provide with Family Finder results.

  40. How do my match and I know on which line the connection took place? How can I tell on which side my matches are related (mother or father)? faq id: 812

    It is not possible to tell from your results if a match is from your mother's side or your father's side. This is because autosomal DNA recombines each generation. With an autosomal genetic test, the only sure way for you to tell if your relationship with a match is on one parent's side is to test that parent.

    To find the genealogical connection with your match, you need to consult traditional genealogy records. These are birth, marriage, and death records. They also include documents like the census.

  41. I have many Family Finder matches in the "4th - remote cousin" and "5th - remote cousin" ranges. I cannot find the connection. Are these false positives? faq id: 813

    These matches are in the Speculative Relationship category. Their quality should be taken as exactly that. Your relationship may be as close as 4th cousins. On the other hand, you may share some autosomal DNA with cousins beyond genealogical times. Thus, it may also be as remote as 20th cousins. It is not possible to say exactly where the relationship falls.

    See also:

  42. What computer software do you recommend that I have to access my Family Finder test results? faq id: 814

    We have designed the Family Finder program to be as quick and simple to use as possible. We recommend current software in the following categories. The particular package you use is your choice.

    1. A web browser.
      • Firefox 3.6 or above (Apple MAC, Linux, Windows)
      • Google Chrome (Apple MAC, Linux, Windows)
      • Internet Explorer 9 or above (Windows)
      • Opera 10.5 or above (Apple MAC, Linux, Windows)
      • Safari (Apple MAC, Windows)
    2. Adobe Flash. (Apple MAC, Linux, Windows)
    3. A spreadsheet program.
      • Microsoft Excel (Apple MAC, Windows)
      • OpenOffice Calc (Apple MAC, Linux, Windows)
      • Gnumeric (Linux, Windows)
      • Lotus (Windows)
    4. File Compression/Decompression (ZIP) software.
      • 7-Zip (Windows)
      • PeaZip (Linux, Windows)
      • The Unarchiver (Apple MAC)

  43. Who is the best person to test? faq id: 815

    One of the great things about the Family Finder test is that often the best person to test is you.

    However, if you have the opportunity, it is also a good idea to test members of the oldest generation. That may be your parents, their siblings, your grandparents, or even your grandparents' siblings. Testing older generations makes it easier to determine the branch of your tree to which matches belong.

  44. I just ordered the test; now what? faq id: 816

    We will notify you shortly as to whether there is an unused vial of DNA in storage for the kit. If there is not then we will mail a new collection kit. Should you need to submit a new sample, it is important that you send it back as soon as possible so that testing may begin.

    While you are waiting for results, review your traditional genealogical records. This will help you find the connection with your genetic matches once you have your results. Here are some ideas.

    1. Update your GEDCOM file or enter your notes into a genealogical software package.
    2. Where possible, work back to each of your 3rd to 5th great grandparents.
    3. Work forward on each line to fill in the descendants.

    See also:

  45. How soon will I have results? faq id: 817

    After we batch their order, most people receive their Family Finder test results in about four weeks. If it is necessary to send a new collection kit, you should receive your results about four weeks after the kit arrives back at the lab.

  46. I just got my results; now what? faq id: 818

    Once you have your results you are ready to discover new genealogical connections. Before you begin:

    1. Review this FAQ.
    2. Make sure your family tree is up to date.
    3. Review your ancestral surnames on your My Account - Surnames page.

    Next, check your Family Finder - Matches page. When you open the page, the filter is set to show your close and immediate relatives. These matches are likely to be relevant to your family history and genealogical research. You can make contact with them by clicking on the E-mail icon below their name in the Name column.

    If you do not have matches yet in either category, you will see a message that says, "Be sure to experiment with the relationship filter settings to see different levels of matching." You will then be transferred to the Show All Matches filter setting.

  47. How do I read my Family Finder raw data file? faq id: 819

    Family Finder raw results files are comma-separated-variable (CSV) files. We compress them into GZ files for storage and portability. To extract the CSV file from the GZ file you will need compression/decompression software. Many such programs are available for FREE. A few are:

    • 7-Zip (Windows)
    • PeaZip (Windows and Linux)
    • The Unarchiver (MAC)

    Once you have extracted a CSV file, you can open it with a text-editing program (Notepad, jEdit, etc.)

    RSID,CHROMOSOME,POSITION,RESULT
"rs3131972","1","742584","TT"
"rs12562034","1","758311","CC"
"rs12124819","1","766409","CT"
"rs11240777","1","788822","AG"
"rs6681049","1","789870","TT"
...

    or a spreadsheet program (MS Excel, OpenOffice Calc, Gnumeric, Lotus, etc.).

      A B C D
    1 RSID CHROMOSOME POSITION RESULT
    2 rs3131972 1 742584 TT
    3 rs12562034 1 758311 CC
    4 rs12124819 1 766409 CT
    5 rs11240777 1 788822 AG
    6 rs6681049 1 789870 TT

    The results files contain four columns of data:RSID, CHROMOSOME, POSITION, and RESULT.

    • RSID: The RSID column provides the RS number for the SNP in the NIH dbSNP database.
    • CHROMOSOME: The CHROMOSOME column provides the name of the chromosome where the SNP is located. For an autosomal file, that is 1 through 22. For an X-chromosome file, that is X.
    • POSITION: The POSITION column provides the specific location on the specified chromosome of the SNP.
    • RESULT: The RESULT column provides the allele values for the SNP.

    These tables show the possible values for the RESULT column and their meanings. We report results according to each microarray chip maker's specifications.

    Illumina OmniExpress Results
    Result*Allele ValueMeaning
    *For men, the X-chromosome raw data file shows doubled values (DD, II, AA, CC, GG, or TT) as placeholders even though in reality they only have one X-chromosome.
    DD deletion, deletion There are two copies of the deletion. This is a homozygous value.
    II insertion, insertion There are two copies of the insertion. This is a homozygous value.
    DI deletion, insertion There is one copy of the deletion and one copy of the insertion variant. This is a heterozygous value.
    AA Adenine, Adenine There are two copies of the adenine variant. This is a homozygous value.
    CC Cytosine, Cytosine There are two copies of the cytosine variant. This is a homozygous value.
    GG Guanine, Guanine There are two copies of the guanine variant. This is a homozygous value.
    TT Thymine, Thymine There are two copies of the thymine variant. This is a homozygous value.
    CT or TC Cytosine, Thymine There is one copy of the cytosine and one copy of the thymine variant. This is a heterozygous value.
    AG or GA Adenine, Guanine There is one copy of the adenine and one copy of the guanine variant. This is a heterozygous value.
    --- no call The results were not clear for this SNP. A small percentage of results like this are expected from microarray chips.

  48. What are the possible relationships for a Family Finder match? faq id: 826

    This table shows the possible calculated relationship ranges.

    Relationship Range Meaning
    Immediate - Parent/Child, Siblings, Aunt/Uncle, etc.
    Parent/Child This is an almost certain parent/child relationship.
    Parent/Child, Full Siblings The likely relationship is parent/child but may also be that of full siblings.
    Parent/Child, Full Siblings The likely relationship is full siblings. In some cases, it may be a match between a parent and a child.
    Full Siblings, Half Siblings, Grandparent/Grandchild The likely relationship is still a full sibling but has a broader relationship range. The possible relationships include half sibling and grandparent/grandchild relationships.
    Full Siblings, Half Siblings, Grandparent/Grandchild, Aunt/Uncle, Niece/Nephew The most likely relationships are either half siblingship or grandparent/grandchild. The relationship may also be that of aunt/uncle, niece/nephew.
    Half Siblings, Grandparent/Grandchild, Aunt/Uncle, Niece/Nephew The most likely relationship is that of aunt/uncle, niece/nephew but possible relationships include half sibling and grandparent/grandchild.
    Close - 1st & 2nd cousins
    1st Cousin, Half Siblings, Grandparent/Grandchild, Aunt/Uncle, Niece/Nephew The most likely relationship is 1st cousin, but relationships between half sibling and aunt/uncle, niece/nephew are possible.
    1st Cousin, Aunt/Uncle, Niece/Nephew The most likely relationship is 1st cousin. This may also be a more distant aunt/uncle, niece/nephew match.
    1st Cousin - 2nd Cousin The most likely relationship between you and your match is that of 2th cousin, but the relationship may be between 1st and 2nd cousins. It is important to examine the full range of possible relationships when comparing genealogical records.
    1st Cousin - 3rd Cousin The most likely relationship between you and your match is that of 2nd cousin, but the relationship may be between 1st and 3rd cousins. It is important to examine the full range of possible relationships when comparing genealogical records.
    2nd Cousin - 3rd Cousin The most likely relationship between you and your match is that of 2nd cousin, but the relationship may be between 2nd and 3rd cousins. It is important to examine the full range of possible relationships when comparing genealogical records.
    Distant - 3rd & 4th cousins
    2nd Cousin - 4th Cousin The most likely relationship between you and your match is that of 3rd cousin, but the relationship may be between 2nd and 4th cousins. It is important to examine the full range of possible relationships when comparing genealogical records.
    3rd Cousin - 5th Cousin The most likely relationship between you and your match is that of 4th cousin, but the relationship may be between 3rd and 5th cousins. It is important to examine the full range of possible relationships when comparing genealogical records.
    Speculative - 4th Cousin - Remote Cousin & 5th Cousin - Remote Cousin
    4th Cousin - Remote Cousin You share a significant number of Identical by Descent (IBD) blocks with your match. However, your relationship extends beyond the confidence interval recommended by our Advisory team. Your relationship may be as close as 4th cousins. It may also be as remote as 20th cousins. It is best for you to use the Speculative Relatives category to evaluate matches between known cousins. You might also find it useful when many family members share the same suggested relationship to a remote cousin.
    5th Cousin - Remote Cousin You share a significant number of Identical by Descent (IBD) blocks with your match. However, your relationship extends beyond the confidence interval recommended by our Advisory team. In some cases, your relationship may be as close as 5th cousins. It may also be as remote as 20th cousins. It is best for you to use the Speculative Relatives category to evaluate matches between known cousins. You might also find it useful when many family members share the same suggested relationship to a remote cousin.

    See also:

  49. On the Chromosome Browser page, what are the matching regions? faq id: 843

    On the Chromosome Browser page, the matching regions are half-matching DNA Segments that you share with your match. Each of your autosomal chromosomes comes half from your mother and half from your father.

    Comparison Andrew Tiptop to Parents
    NameMatching on Chromosome 12
      Match 1   Match 2   Non-Match  
    Peter Tiptop                                    
    Martha Pynee                                    

    For example, Andrew Tiptop has Family Finder tested himself and his parents, Peter and Martha (Pynee) Tiptop. On Andrew's Chromosome Browser page, he matches both parents.

    Comparison Martha Pynee to son Andrew
    NameMatching on Chromosome 12
      Match 1   Non-Match  
    Andrew Tiptop                                    
    Comparison Peter Tiptop to son Andrew
    NameMatching on Chromosome 12
      Match 1   Non-Match  
    Andrew Tiptop                                    

    On Martha's Chromosome Browser page, she matches Andrew.

    Likewise, on Peter's Chromosome Browser page, he matches Andrew.

    As Andrew's parents are unrelated, Peter does not have Andrew's mother on his match list, and Martha does not have Andrew's father on her match list.

     

  50. Is it meaningful when two or more of my matches have a DNA segment or segments in the same location? faq id: 844

    Yes, you may all share a DNA segment inherited from the same ancestor. However, you each inherited half of your DNA from each parent. Sharing with any two matches may be through a different parent.

    Comparison Andrew Tiptop
    NameMatching on Chromosome 12
      Match 1   Match 2   Non-Match  
    Jacob Wiscured                                    
    Martin Medoe                                    

    For example, Andrew Tiptop has tested his parents, Peter and Martha (Pynee) Tiptop, his maternal 1st cousin Martin Medoe, and his paternal 1st cousin Jacob Wiscured.

    On Andrew's Chromosome Browser page, Andrew shares overlapping segments on chromosome 12 with Jacob and Martin. Though the segments overlap, they are from different ancestors.

     
    Comparison Martha Pynee
    NameMatching on Chromosome 12
      Match 1   Match 2   Non-Match  
    Andrew Tiptop                                    
    Martin Medoe                                    

    From Martha's account, she shares about the same segment with Martin as Andrew.


    Comparison Peter Tiptop
    NameMatching on Chromosome 12
      Match 1   Match 2   Non-Match  
    Andrew Tiptop                                    
    Jacob Wiscured                                    

    On Peter's Chromosome Browser page, he shares with Jacob the same segment that Andrew shares with Jacob.

    Because Martha is unrelated to Jacob, he is not on her match list. Likewise, Martin is not on Peter's match list. In addition, Jacob and Martin are not on each other's match lists.

     

  51. If I have two matches with over lapping DNA segments, how will I know if they have those segments in common? faq id: 845

    To tell if two or more of your matches have DNA segments in common, ask each to check for the other on their match list. If they are on each other's match lists, they can compare their matching segments on the Chromosome Browser page.

    If they are not on each other's match lists, it is unlikely that all of you share a common ancestor. The segments do not come from the same ancestor even though they overlap.

  52. What exactly do the centiMorgan values for DNA segments mean? faq id: 846

    The centiMorgan (cM) values for DNA segments are measurements of how likely the segment is to recombine as it passes from parent to child. Segments with higher cM values have a greater probability of recombining in any one generation. Therefore, when you share DNA segments with larger cM values with a match, your common ancestors are likely to come from generations that are more recent.

  53. How do you determine the centiMorgan value for a DNA segment? faq id: 847

    The Family Tree DNA Bioinformatics team works with centiMorgan (cM) data from the International HapMap project.

    Current knowledge of centiMorgan values across the human genome comes from the International HapMap project testing. The International HapMap project tested father-mother-child trios from global population groups. Using this information, they mapped recombination rates across the human genome.

  54. Are there limitations to the current recombination rates? faq id: 848

    Yes, limitations in the number of global populations used and the number of samples tested in the International HapMap recombination rate studies limit what we know.

    SNP values at 12 locations in sequence
    Mother G A T A G A T A G A T A
    G A T A G A T A G A T A
    Father G A T A G A T A G A T A
    G A T A G A T A G A T A
    Child G A T A G A T A G A T A
    G A T A G A T A G A T A

    For example, if a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with values of A or G usually has an A value in European populations, scientists are unlikely to detect recombination events at that SNP in samples from Europe. When several SNPs like this occur in sequence, recombination is under reported. Therefore, centiMorgan values are artificially low.

     

  55. Are the areas with extremely high and low centiMorgan values related to SNP Rich and SNP poor areas? faq id: 849

    No, SNP Rich and SNP Poor areas are due to the number and location of SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphims) chosen by the microarray chip manufacturer. If the manufacturer includes many SNPs from an area on the chip, the area is SNP Rich. However, if few SNPs from an area are included on the chip, the area is SNP Poor.

  56. If two DNA segments look about the same length, why aren’t they the same number of centiMorgans? faq id: 850

    The recombination rate across the human autosomal genome is highly variable. Therefore, DNA segments that are the same number of base pairs long may have much different centiMorgan (cM) values depending on their location.

  57. If two people share part of the same DNA segment with me, will the centiMorgan value for each segment be proportional to how long the segments look? faq id: 851

    Overlapping DNA Segments
    cMMatching on Chromosome 1
      Match 1   Match 2   Non-Match  
    20.5                                    
    7.6                                    

    No, part of a matching DNA segment may have a higher or lower centiMorgan (cM) value than the segment's average. One of your matches will then have a much higher cM value for their segment.

    cM Values For Three SNP Sets
    SNP Set cM SNPs Chromosome Start Location Stop Location
    221 0.48 100 1 82521165 82870559
    222 0.26 100 1 82871547 83219651
    223 0.48 100 1 83221230 83764336

    This is because the recombination rate across the human autosomal genome is highly variable. For example, one matching SNP set might be 349,394 bp (base pairs) long and .48 cM while the one next to it is about the same length but is only .26 cM.

     

  58. Is it more significant if two of my matches have identical start and stop points than if the segments simply overlap? faq id: 852

    No. When two of your matches' DNA segments share exact start and stop points, it is not more significant than when they simply overlap. There are two reasons for this. Both are due to current limitations of microarray chip technology.

    First, current microarray chip technology provides a sampling of your autosomal genome. There are many data-points (base pairs) in between each point tested. The true start and stop points might be anywhere between the matching and non-matching SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that mark the beginning and end of a match.

    Second, because we use SNP sets of about 100 SNPs for Family Finder matching, the matching may actually begin or end at any point in the SNP block respectively before or after the start and stop points.

    How exact are Family Finder's start and stop points?

  59. You talk about matching DNA Segments. Is there a minimum number of matching segments in order for two people to be considered a match? faq id: 853

    Although the number and size of matching DNA segments are considerations in calculating how two people are related, there is not a minimum number of segments for two people to be considered a match.

  60. Several of my immediate known relatives share a matching segment with me. Why aren't the start and stop points of our matching segments exactly the same? faq id: 854

    There are several possible reasons for the start and stop points not to line up exactly. They are due to how recombination of DNA across generations and the Family Finder matching process work.

    The first reason is that part of the segment recombined slightly differently from one generation to the next. This would result in the matching segment being slightly smaller.

    The second reason is that a child might pick up a small segment of coincidentally matching DNA from the other parent. This would result in the matching segment being slightly larger.

    The third reason is that the microarray technology used is not 100% accurate for all SNPs (data points) tested. By chance, several matching SNPs at the start or stop of a block are wrong for one person in the match. In this case, the program could stop the matching segment one block sooner than is real. Alternatively, it could allow matching to continue one block further than is real. The Family Finder matching process takes several steps to prevent this testing technology drawback from affecting the quality of the overall matching process. However, it will cause small variances in individual matching segments when you compare many relatives.

    See also:

  61. Does the Family Finder test use mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) test results? faq id: 889

    No, the Family Finder software does not use mitochondrial DNA results for matching or relatedness calculations. The Family Finder program uses only the autosomal SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) test results from the Family Finder microarray chip.

  62. Does the Family Finder test use Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) test results? faq id: 890

    No, the Family Finder software does not use Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) results for matching or relatedness calculations. The Family Finder program uses only the autosomal SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) test results from the Family Finder microarray chip.

  63. Does the Family Finder test involve the use of the turboencabulator? faq id: 891

    At this time, Family Tree DNA is not utilizing the turboencabulator. However, our Bioinformatics team and Marketing Departments are continually evaluating technologies and opportunities for improvement. Our understanding of genetics has changed much since the introduction of the turboencabulator in 1946, and with the quickly evolving field of genomics, a working implementation may be realized. Indeed, our Bioinformatics project manager feels strongly that there is a programmatic solution for everything. If you have ideas about how the turboencabulator might be incorporated into DNA Genealogy please contact our new technologies specialist.

  64. Does the Family Finder test use X-chromosome DNA (X-DNA) test results? faq id: 1005

    No, the Family Finder test does not currently use X-chromosome DNA (X-DNA) test results. The X-chromosome follows a different inheritance pattern than your autosomal DNA. Therefore, it requires a different matching algorithm to be accurate and scientifically valid.

    The Bioinformatics team is investigating the math and programing for an accurate X-chromosome program.

  65. My Y-DNA close match is not showing in my Family Finder matches, why? faq id: 1007

    If both of you have taken the Family Finder test but do not match, it means that your relationship is unlikely to be within three generations. Your relationship may not be within five generations.

    If your Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) match is not on your Family Finder match list, it may be that he did not take the Family Finder test. Matches do not work across databases. You may check this on your Y-DNA match list by looking for (Family Finder) next to his name. If it is there, then he has taken the Family Finder test.

    See also:

  66. I have a close match. We cannot find any common names or ancestors on my Family Finder match list. Why can't we? faq id: 1009

    It is both possible and reasonable for you not to have matches in common with a close cousin. For example, your relationship with your close cousin may be through your mother. However, your relationship to the majority of your matches may be through your father.

    See also:

  67. I used a third party tool to analyze my and a relative's results. They are different from my Family Finder results. Why is this? faq id: 1665

    When you compare two people's Family Finder results using third party tools, it is common for there to be small benign differences. The Family Tree DNA Family Finder program uses a proprietary set of calculations to evaluate shared DNA segments and to determine relationships. The Bioinformatics team set these to account for microarray chip technology using current scientific knowledge.