Frequently Asked Questions
Using the charts
What do all those dots and lines mean?
Each dot on the chart represents one of your DNA matches. The larger the dot, the more DNA that person shares with you. People with large dots are more closely related to you, on average, than people with small dots.
Each line indicates a DNA connection between two of your matches. That is, people who are DNA matches to each other, as well as to you. The DNA connections displayed depend on the testing company the information came from.
Each line indicates a DNA connection between two of your matches. That is, people who are DNA matches to each other, as well as to you. The DNA connections displayed depend on the testing company the information came from.
How can I use these charts?
People who have a common ancestor will naturally tend to have DNA matches in common with each other, and cluster together in the chart. You don't need to know how they're related, their connected DNA will draw them together. From there, the hunt for clues begins!
For example, if there is a known relative in the group, that provides a great clue to the part of your tree the other groups members might belong to.
Some groups may be a mystery to you. Make your way through the matches in the those groups, reviewing their trees and looking for common elements. Is there a surname or a place that appears in several of the trees? With a little research effort, you may be able to expand upon the information your matches have provided and find a common ancestor.
For example, if there is a known relative in the group, that provides a great clue to the part of your tree the other groups members might belong to.
Some groups may be a mystery to you. Make your way through the matches in the those groups, reviewing their trees and looking for common elements. Is there a surname or a place that appears in several of the trees? With a little research effort, you may be able to expand upon the information your matches have provided and find a common ancestor.
Are these all of my matches?
No. Typically, a chart will include only a small proportion of your matches.
Ancestry only shows 'shared match' relationships between people who are estimated fourth cousin or closer to each other. If a person has no 'shared matches' they are not included in the chart (but are included in the match data file).
It is usually necessary to also exclude immediate family and very distant relatives. This is to create a chart of workable size. If close family members have DNA tested, they might be candidates for a combined profile chart.
Ancestry only shows 'shared match' relationships between people who are estimated fourth cousin or closer to each other. If a person has no 'shared matches' they are not included in the chart (but are included in the match data file).
It is usually necessary to also exclude immediate family and very distant relatives. This is to create a chart of workable size. If close family members have DNA tested, they might be candidates for a combined profile chart.
Why aren't I in the chart?
If you were in the chart there would need to be a line drawn between your dot and every other person. This would not add any new information and would make the chart difficult to read.
What do the groups signify?
Consider the groups to be best guesses as to which of your DNA matches share a common ancestor with each other. The allocation of matches to a particular group provides a starting point or hint for further research and is not proof in itself.
Can I print out my chart?
While it's possible to print the PDF files, they're designed for use on screen.
If you do wish to print a network chart PDF file, please advise me when you make your order. Be advised that a very large paper size is required. The white theme with bold colours is the most most suited to printing - but results cannot be guaranteed.
Some printing services charge less for high definition plan printing than for the same size poster, but a low ink-to-space ratio may be required for a document to be accepted as a 'plan'. I will reduce the marker size to reduce the ink-to-space ratio if requested.
If you do wish to print a network chart PDF file, please advise me when you make your order. Be advised that a very large paper size is required. The white theme with bold colours is the most most suited to printing - but results cannot be guaranteed.
Some printing services charge less for high definition plan printing than for the same size poster, but a low ink-to-space ratio may be required for a document to be accepted as a 'plan'. I will reduce the marker size to reduce the ink-to-space ratio if requested.