Introduction

Do you find yourself excited by DNA testing, but overwhelmed by all of the choices? What kind of DNA to test, where to test it, and who to test—to name a few of the
choices.

23 Best Tips for DNA Testing and Family History was created to help people with their DNA testing. It provides advice on how to use DNA testing to research family
history. It can be read cover to cover whether you are a “newbie” or just need a refresher. If you have a very specific question, you can easily find tips related to your
question. These tips were selected after listening to hundreds of people’s questions during live workshops and webinars.

DNA testing connects us with relatives interested in family history. Maybe you will meet those cousins you heard about when you were a kid . . . but never met until a DNA
test united you. Or maybe you will break through a brick wall in your family history research. You might even discover your birth parent or the birth parent of a loved one.
It is amazing what can be done with DNA testing!
Background
Autosomal DNA (atDNA) will answer most genealogy questions. Therefore, start by testing atDNA. atDNA can be used to determine who your relatives are, who your birth
parents are (when they are unknown), who’s behind your brick wall, and whether your mother’s family really came from Russia (or wherever family legend says she
originated). Importantly, atDNA testing can be used to find cousins who are genealogists. Often, connecting with cousins will help to answer these types of questions.

atDNA tests provide very useful information on our families. atDNA tests include two types of results: ethnicity estimates and a match list that includes all of the people in
a DNA testing company’s database. Matches are arranged with matches sharing the most DNA at the top of the list, and matches sharing the least amount of DNA at the
bottom. Some people who have tested may have tens of thousands of matches; others have only hundreds or fewer. How many matches you have depends on who is in the
database. Today, the majority of testers are from the United States. And although the United States is a melting pot, there are many more people with English ancestry
than there are people of Ukrainian ancestry, for example.

atDNA covers all lines of our family tree, not just our father’s father’s father’s (patrilineal) line or our mother’s mother’s mother’s (matrilineal) line. Mitochondrial
DNA(mtDNA)is inherited through the matrilineal line. Family trees rapidly branch even when they include only direct ancestors. For example, even if you’re researching
family history on your father’s side, the patrilineal line is only a small part of his ancestors. As soon as his line branches, e.g., his mother is added, only atDNA will shed
light on your father’s genealogy. Very few genealogy research projects involved just a patrilineal line or just a matrilineal line.

We each have 23 pairs of chromosomes. DNA is packaged into chromosomes. There are 22 pairs of autosomal DNA (atDNA) chromosomes. The 22 pairs of chromosomes are
numbered from 1 to 22. Along with the 22 pairs of atDNA chromosomes, there is also one set of sex chromosomes. For the sex chromosomes, men have one X and one Y. In
contrast, women have two X chromosomes (and no Y chromosomes). Y-DNA is inherited through the patrilineal line. For each pair of our 22 pairs of autosomal chromosomes,
we get one chromosome from our Mother and one from our Father. That is, we get one-half of our atDNA from Mom and one-half from Dad.

When your atDNA is tested, it is tested at about 700,000 locations for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs). A SNP is a specific location that is polymorphic, that is,
variable. For example, at one SNP, part of the population has an A in their DNA, whereas the other part has a G. These letters, A and G, along with C and T, are
abbreviations for the chemical pieces that make up DNA. These pieces are referred to as bases of DNA. DNA is composed of strings of bases. It is also double stranded. The
term basepair (BP) refers to double-stranded DNA.

The human genome has roughly three billion basepairs (BPs). When all three billion BPs are examined, humans are remarkably similar at 99.5% similar as noted by Wade
Nicholas, "In the Genome Race, the Sequel Is Personal." The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/04/science/04vent.html (accessed November 18, 2017).

SNPs are used to test autosomal DNA, Y-DNA, and mtDNA. Y-DNA is also tested using another tool, called Short Tandem Repeats (STRs). An STR is a small segment of DNA,
such as a 3-BP segment of ATG, that is repeated, e.g., ATG-ATG-ATG-ATG. People have different number of repeats at a given place in human DNA. For example, one
person might have 10 repeats, whereas another has 11. These distinctions are examined when a 37, 67, or 11-marker Y-DNA test is ordered from Family Tree DNA. A Y-DNA
haplotype (as opposed to haplogroup) is assigned based on these results.

atDNA recombines, that is, it is shuffled, when eggs and sperm are made. This is why we are not clones of our siblings (unless you are an identical twin). A video explaining
this is at http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/basics/molgen/. Recombination leads to a loss of some ancestors’ DNA in our “genetic family tree.” This is why more
distant cousins do not always match us—even when they test at the same DNA testing companies. This lack of matching can start even at the 3rd Cousin level. See
https://isogg.org/wiki/Cousin_statistics for more information.
AUTOSOMAL DNA TIPS
Tip 1: Test Autosomal DNA First
Autosomal DNA (atDNA) testing finds descendants of our ancestors 5 or more generations ago. This means that atDNA can find close relatives, e.g., aunts, uncles, cousins,
siblings, and parents. They are found through atDNA matching. These close matches can help with your family history.
Tip 2: Begin Testing with One of the “Big Three DNA Testing Companies”
The Big Three DNA testing companies include AncestryDNA, Family Tree DNA, and 23andMe. They have the largest databases of people who have tested their autosomal
DNA (often abbreviated as atDNA).

AncestryDNA only offers atDNA testing. It has the largest database of atDNA testers, which recently reached 6 million people who have tested.

Family Tree DNA’s FamilyFinder test is the name for their autosomal atDNA test.

23andMe currently has two atDNA tests: (1) Ancestry Service and (2) Health + Ancestry Service. In addition, both tests at 23andMe also provide your basic
mitochondrial haplogroup. If you’re male, you will also receive your basic Y-DNA haplogroup from both of 23andMe’s DNA test kits.

All of the Big Three provide a match list, which is a list of people who share DNA with you. A match list is critical for genealogy.

It is highly recommended that you start testing with AncestryDNA, as they have the largest database. Many AncestryDNA users also have extensive family trees, although
they are not always accurate. And while AncestryDNA does not have a chromosome browser, they do have helpful tools for analyzing DNA results.
Tip 3: Transfer Your DNA Results to Another Company to Save Money

Transferring your atDNA results from a the first company with whom you’ve tested to a another company provides a second set of DNA matches and a second opinion on
your ethnicity estimate. This means that now you are now “fishing in two ponds” for matches.

If you start at AncestryDNA or 23andMe, you should be able to transfer your DNA results (in the form of raw data) to Family Tree DNA. Occasionally, you may encounter a
problem with DNA raw data transfers due to DNA test format changes. However, these issues can usually be corrected, and transfers can be successfully completed.

Keep in mind that there may be small differences between your matches at Family Tree DNA whether you transfer your DNA results from another company or test with them
directly. Some people have reported that their match list is different when they compare their match list from (1) transferring their DNA results into FTDNA and (2) testing
directly at FTDNA. For example, some have reported that transferred kits on FTDNA don't receive any "speculative" matches, that is, the more distant matches. This might
be due to data format issues depending on when the original DNA test was done.

Transferring your AncestryDNA (or 23andMe) results to Family Tree DNA provides an additional set of matches and another opinion of your ethnicity estimate from Family
Tree DNA.
Tip 4: Design Your Family History Research Project to Accommodate the “Missing Cousins”
As noted in the Background section above, even starting at the 3rd Cousin level, when two 3rd Cousins are tested at the same DNA testing company, it is possible that they
won’t have a DNA match. Therefore, if you’ve finally tracked down that 3rd Cousin to test your theory about who your 2nd great-grandfather was, and you don’t match that
3rd Cousin, you must consider whether this disproves your theory—or if it is simply just an instance where two 3rd Cousins don’t match. For example, if you and that 3rd
Cousin test at 23andMe, there’s about a 90% chance that you will match (see Cousin Statistics at https://isogg.org/wiki/Cousin_statistics). You might be in that unlucky 10%
group where even though you both tested AND you really are 3rd Cousins, you will not appear on each other’s match list. It would be easy to misinterpret this NON-match as
evidence that you’re not 3rd Cousins.

One thing you can do to help with missing cousins is to test the atDNA of multiple siblings to determine additional distant cousins. Siblings will match different distant
cousins; therefore, test as many siblings as possible. This is particularly important if you’re trying to solve a mystery in your tree, for example, “Who is your 3rd Great-
Grandfather?”

You should share a match for this 3rd Great-Grandfather with some of your 4th Cousins (the ones on that line). But remember, even if you and your 4th Cousin test at the
same company, you won’t always match each other. Example: if you and your 4th Cousin test at a company with a 70% chance of matching 4th Cousins, there’s a 30%
chance you won’t match your 4th Cousin. However, if both you and a sibling test, you greatly increase the chance of matching that 4th Cousin.
Tip 5: You Need to Determine How Much Autosomal DNA You Share

Remember the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears? One thing was too big; another was too small; and the third was just right. The Big Three are like that.

AncestryDNA tends to underestimate relations. Family Tree DNA tends to overestimate relationships. 23andMe usually gets it just right. This means that at AncestryDNA and
Family Tree DNA, you need to “drill down” into the test details to determine how much DNA you share with your matches.

How much DNA you share with a match is reported in centimorgans (cMs) or percentages (%s). cMs can be thought of as a measured length (like inches). The reporting of
cMs or %s depends on which testing company is used.

AncestryDNA
To find out how much atDNA is shared with a match at AncestryDNA, click on one match, then click on little “i" in the blue circle to show how much DNA is shared, shown in
cMs. This information will appear in a black pop-up window.

Family Tree DNA

At Family Tree DNA, segments under 7 cM need to be filtered out. This is to allow for segments that are identical by descent (IBD) which are helpful and reduce segments
that are identical by state (IBS) which are not helpful).

Family Tree DNA’s match list includes the following columns: Shared Centimorgans (total amount shown in cM), Longest Block, and X-Match (that is, whether you share X-
DNA with the match). However, these numbers and whether you indeed share X-DNA with your match can be inflated. Thus, it is important to determine the correct
information for yourself.

To do so, click on one match in your Family Tree DNA list. Then click the Chromosome Browser button to show your matching segments (the parts of your DNA that you
share with your match). If there are only a few segments, hovering over the segments will tell you how long they are, and you can add up any that are at least 7 cM.

If there are not many segments, then click on Download to Excel (CSV Format) under Optional Views. This will create a spreadsheet that can be used in any spreadsheet
program, like Excel. In this spreadsheet, remove any segments under 7 cM. Then add up the remaining segments to determine a new total.

This process will also let you see if there are X-DNA segments over 7 cM. Often, matches reported on the match list as sharing X-DNA do not share any segments over 7 cM.
These matches should not be considered X-DNA matches.

23andMe
23andMe displays match information in percent of shared DNA. No adjustments are needed.

Knowing how much DNA you share with a match is very important in determining the possible relationships to that match, as is explained in the following tip.
Tip 6: Don’t Believe the Relationship Categories

The Big Three use categories of relationships for matches. For example, AncestryDNA uses Immediate Family, Close Family, 1st Cousin, 2nd Cousin, and so on. However,
at all of the Big Three, often matches are placed in the wrong category or there are more possibilities than what is listed.

For example, AncestryDNA might put a match in the 2nd Cousin category when, in fact, the matches are 1st Cousins. In general, AncestryDNA underestimates relationships.
In contrast, Family Tree DNA tends to overestimate relationships. This is why you need to determine how much DNA you share with your matches (see above).

Companies also use labels like “1st Cousin” when other relationships might be possible. For example, someone in the 1st Cousin category might also be your Half
Aunt/Uncle/Niece/Nephew, Great-Grandparent/Great-Grandchild, or your Great-Aunt/Uncle/Niece/Nephew.

Once the amount of shared DNA is determined, refer to a DNA Relationship Table showing possible relationships for given amounts of shared DNA. These tables present
information on average cMs or %s shared between various relationships. These tables also provide ranges of cMs or %s shared between various relationships. For example, on
average, 1st Cousins share 900 cM of DNA. The range is broader, with some sources saying the range is 575 to 1,330 cM.

DNA Relationship Tables showing possible relationships for given amounts of share DNA include the following:

The International Society of Genetic Genealogy website at http://www.isogg.org/wiki/Autosomal_DNA_statistics has several such tables.

The DNA statistics file from DNA Detectives FaceBook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/DNADetectives/) assigns groups of possible relationships, e.g.,
Group A, Group B, Group C, for shared amounts of DNA. For example, sharing 900 cM of DNA with a match places you in Group C, which includes 1st Cousin, Half
Aunt/Uncle/Niece/Nephew, Great-Grandparent/Great-Grandchild, and Great-Aunt/Uncle/Niece/Nephew. It is possible to be in multiple groups for a given amount of
shared DNA. For example, sharing 215 cM with a match places you in Groups D, E, and F.

Possible Relationships Calculator on DNA Hunters (https://www.DNAHunters.com) is a tool where the amount of shared DNA is entered, and the possible group(s) from
the DNA Detectives table (above) is shown.

The DNA Geek blog (http://thednageek.com/) post includes a table showing the probability that a given cM value represents a group of relationships:
http://thednageek.com/the-limits-of-predicting-relationships-using-dna/

In general, the more DNA you share with someone, the more closely you are related. This rule is not as solid once the amount of DNA sharing starts to drop. For example, if
you share 2,500 cM with someone, that person is your full sibling. However, if you share 250 cMs with a match, it could be your 1st Cousin, once removed, a 2nd Cousin, or
four other possibilities. For example, a match sharing 75 cM could be your 2nd Cousin, but it could also be a more distant cousin.

Keep in mind that the smaller the number, the higher the variation. The bottom line is that there are a lot of ways that two people can share the same amount of DNA.
This is why family trees are so important! You need to review family trees to determine the possible ways you are related and figure it out. You also need paper
documentation to confirm your DNA findings.
Tip 7: Understand the Different Types of Cousins and Other Relatives

A 1st Cousin will share, on average, 900 cM of DNA. A 1st Cousin, once removed will share, on average, 450 cM of DNA, as will a Half-1st Cousin. As this example shows, if
you are investing the time trying to determine your matches, it is very important to understand different types of cousins and other relatives. Knowing what kind of relative
your match might be makes you a much more effective family history researcher. When you review your tree and your match’s tree to see how they fit together, you want
to ensure you are looking in the right generation. You might need to see if an ancestor had two spouses, thus, opening up the possibility of having a Half-Cousin.
Tip 8: Determine Who Your Autosomal DNA Matches Are

Once you have your match list, it can be daunting to figure out who your matches are. Even with a lot of work, chances are you will know who all of your matches are. It
helps to start with the closest matches. Look for matches with family trees for shared locations, surnames, and/or ancestors. Also look at ethnicities to see if that provides
a clue as to how you are related.

Also, look for common matches shared by you and a given match:

AncestryDNA
On AncestryDNA, this is done through the Shared Matches button, which appears once you select a single match. Clicking that button will show additional matches common
to both you and the match that you have clicked on. AncestryDNA limits these Shared Matches to 4th Cousins or higher. That means that each person must be at least a 4th
Cousin to the other matches.

Family Tree DNA

On Family Tree DNA, determining matches is done through using the In Common With button. This button requires clicking on one match from your match list. Then click on
the In Common With button, and it will generate a list of matches common to both you and the selected match. Family Tree DNA does not limit these In Common With
matches to 4th Cousins or higher.

23andMe
23andMe lists matches common to you and your match on each match’s page. Click on a match and scroll down the page to see a list of matches that you share.

These Shared Matches (and ICW Matches) should be related to each other. Thus, they should share ancestors with each other and you. Therefore, reviewing the trees for
overlap between them should provide clues as to how you’re related.
Tip 9: Use Autosomal DNA Matches to Sort Your Other Autosomal DNA Matches

Once a match is identified as belonging to one side of your family, that match can be used to sort (or filter) your other matches into that side. The previous tip explains how
to do this. If a match can be assigned more specifically to a line, e.g., on your maternal Grandfather’s line, this match can be used to sort your other matches into that line.
Tip 10: Ask Your Relatives to Test

In addition to siblings and parents, it is helpful to ask other relatives to do DNA testing. Their testing will provide you with ways to sort your matches (see the tip above).
For example, a maternal 1st Cousin (1C) can be used to sort your maternal matches. This is because you share your maternal Grandparents. If you have a Half-1st Cousin
(1/2-1C) on your paternal side because you and that 1/2-1C share a paternal Grandmother (and not a paternal Grandfather), that 1/2-1C can be used to find your matches
coming from your shared paternal Grandmother’s line.

2nd Cousins (2Cs) share with you one set of Great-Grandparents (of your four sets of Great-Grandparents). Therefore, a 2C can be used to find other matches who are from
the line of those Great-Grandparents.

It is important to test your oldest relatives first. Chances are, the older someone is, the less time they will be around. Also, older generations are closer to ancestors than
younger generations. At each generation, atDNA becomes diluted in half. This means that people from older generations have a better chance of matching someone than
someone from younger generations. This is because the older generation will share more DNA with those matches compared to someone in a younger generation. Therefore,
if it is possible, test your Parents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, etc. first.

It is recommended that you test your oldest relatives at Family Tree DNA since there are two benefits for older people. First, the Family Tree DNA test uses a swab that is
rubbed inside your cheek to collect cheek cells for DNA extraction. This means that there is no need to spit or generate a large amount of saliva, which can be difficult for
older people. Second, Family Tree DNA stores DNA samples. Doing so allows the ordering of additional tests of the same sample (given that enough of the sample remains
after initial testing). Therefore, for testing older people, it may be wise to test them directly at Family Tree DNA.

It is true that you can transfer other DNA testing companies’ results to Family Tree DNA. However, if you want to order mitochondrial DNA testing or Y-DNA testing, this is
not possible with transferred DNA results. (Note: you can only transfer atDNA results from AncestryDNA or 23andMe).

When asking others to test, inform them of the benefits and risks of DNA testing. You should also ask their permission to perform certain actions, such as transferring their
data from one site or app to another, such as GedMatch, and downloading their raw data. Genetic Genealogy Standards which cover such considerations, are available at
http://www.geneticgenealogystandards.com.
Tip 11: Communicate with Your Matches

It is important to reach out to your matches, although this is not always successful. You should personalize your messages, providing information on which person you
match. This is important, as many people administer multiple DNA kits. Also include (a) how much DNA is shared, (b) who your Parents and Grandparents are, and (c) if you
know, where you think you connect. Be selective in who you contact—not all 1,000 or 10,000 of your matches. Also, be helpful and share resources.
Tip 12: Use Ethnicity Estimates, But Understand Them

Keep in mind that ethnicity estimates are just that: estimates. Often, ethnicity estimates are not consistent across DNA testing companies. There are many reasons for this,
including each company having their own reference panel for their categories. The reference panel is a set of people selected to represent various continents, regions, and
countries. In addition, the categories vary amongst DNA testing companies. For example, AncestryDNA has a European Jewish category, Family Tree DNA has both Ashkenazi
and Sephardic Jewish categories, and 23andMe has only an Ashkenazi Jewish category.

In addition, some companies place the same country in completely different categories. For example, Family Tree DNA places Austria and the Czech Republic into a West
and Central Europe category, whereas AncestryDNA places these same two countries into a Europe East category. Thus, it is important to not just take ethnicity estimates at
face value, but to also understand what the testing companies means by their category labels.

Also, for various reasons, each company has a different time frame for their ethnicity estimates:

AncestryDNA’s estimates reflect ancestors thousands of years ago

23andMe’s estimates best reflect paper trails (meaning they align with your research)

Family Tree DNA is in between AncestryDNA and 23andMe

Although there are various issues with ethnicity estimates, they can be useful in sorting DNA matches. This works when there is a unique ethnicity on (1) one side of a family
or (2) one branch of a family. Then it might be possible to sort through matches to find those ethnicities.
Tip 13: Test Multiple Siblings’ Autosomal DNA to Get a Fuller Picture of Your Ethnicity Estimate
Siblings’ ethnicity estimates will vary. This is due, in part, to variability between siblings. Just as one sibling might have blue eyes, and another, brown, ethnicities can also
vary between siblings. This is seen especially for ethnicities observed at a lower level. For example, one sibling might show 4% of a specific ethnicity, whereas another
sibling might not have this specific ethnicity. Thus, to get a fuller picture of your ethnicity estimate, also check your siblings’ ethnicity estimates.
X-DNA TIPS
Tip 14: Use X-DNA to Understand Autosomal DNA Matches
As noted above, for the sex chromosomes, men have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. Men receive their X chromosome from their Mother. In contrast, women
have two X chromosomes (and no Y chromosomes). Women get one X chromosome from their Mother and a second X chromosome from their Father.

These unique inheritance patterns can be used to understand how atDNA matches are related. For example, if you have an atDNA match from your fathers’s side AND you
also share X-DNA with that match, you know that atDNA match is from your paternal Grandmother’s side. That’s because your paternal Grandmother is the only person from
whom your Father can possibly inherit X-DNA.

X-DNA Inheritance patterns are shown in pie charts at https://thegeneticgenealogist.com/2008/12/21/unlocking-the-genealogical-secrets-of-the-x-chromosome/. The pie
charts visually show from whom X-DNA can be inherited.

There are other genealogical uses of X-DNA, including the following. Women can use X-DNA to determine whether two Half-Sisters share a Father. If they do, then they will
share a full X chromosome. Women can also use X-DNA to determine certain relationships to their matches. As noted above, any X-DNA match from her Father’s side will be
from his Mother (her paternal Grandmother). However, women also have a second X chromosome from their Mother. Therefore, just because someone is an X-DNA match, it
does not tell you which side the match is on. You need to know more.

Men can use X-DNA to see whether a match is a maternal match. For men, all X-DNA matches are maternal matches.
Y-DNA TIPS
Tip 15: Y-DNA Matches Probably Will Have Different Surnames

Family Tree DNA provides full Y-DNA testing, including Y-37, Y-67, and Y-111 testing, which covers different number of Y-DNA markers. These test results are used to find Y-
DNA matches from Family Tree DNA’s database of Y-DNA testers.

With Y-DNA testing that provides a list of Y-DNA matches, there is only a 30-40% chance that only one surname will be present in a man’s DNA matches and their oldest
known patrilineal ancestor. One surname means that the majority of testers and their ancestors have a single surname or variations of it. For the remaining 60-70% of men,
multiple surnames will appear. It might be two to four different surnames, or every match might have a different surname.

There are many reasons this might happen. In general, surnames are a relatively recent concept for many groups. Surnames also may have been changed for many reasons.
There are also “patronymic surnames” where the surname changes at every generation based on a Father’s given name. In addition, events such as informal adoptions and
mis-attributed paternity events can cause a break in a surname chain.

In contrast, Y-DNA is passed down from Father to Son almost unchanged, although randomly mutations accumulate and are passed along. Thus, it is not surprising the Y-DNA
and surnames are not always the same.
Tip 16: Use Genetic Distance to Review Your Y-DNA Matches

Family Tree DNA provides Y-DNA matches for its Y-37, Y-67, and Y-111 tests. Family Tree DNA assigns a genetic distance (GD) for each match. A GD is the number of
differences (or mutations) between matches. A GD of 0 means that a match and the tester are the same. A GD of 1 indicates one difference between the tester and his
match. Thus, a GD of 1 on a Y-37 test means that the match is the same on 36 out of the 37 markers. For a Y-67 test with a GD of 2, the match is the same on 65 of the 67
markers.

To show the significance of these differences, Family Tree DNA published a table at https://www.familytreedna.com/faq-markers.aspx (Table 1). The table shows the
probability of finding a most recent common ancestor for various GDs.

Family Tree DNA also provides an FTDNATiP™ calculator next to each Y-DNA match. The calculator states the probability of finding a most recent common ancestor
(MRCA) within a given number of generations. The calculator gives an idea of whether it is worth the time to explore the connection to a match. For example, if there is
only a 20% of finding a MRCA in eight generations, it might not be worth the time to look.
Tip 17: Y-DNA Testing Provides Deep Ethnicity Information on Your Patrilineal Line
Y-DNA is classified into various groups, called “haplogroups.” Haplogroups share similar DNA sequences. There are many different Y-DNA haplogroups, each of which is
assigned a unique letter or combination of letters. For example, one Y-DNA haplogroup is Y-DNA Haplogroup I-M253, which is a type of the broader “I” Y-DNA Haplogroup.

Y-DNA haplogroups provide deep ethnicity information of patrilineal lines. This means that it might tell you about where your patrilineal ancestor came from thousands or
tens of thousands of years ago.

Family Tree DNA and 23andMe provide information on haplogroup origins. You can research this further on the Internet by searching for your haplogroup. For example, the
following sites can provide information:

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Y-chromosome_DNA_haplogroup

Eupedia.com: https://www.eupedia.com

Also, an Internet search for your haplogroup might also uncover scientific studies and blog posts about specific Y-DNA haplogroups. For example, you might find out that
your Y-haplogroup (and thus, your patrilineal line) originates from the British Isles, the New World, Asia, or Africa. You might also learn the age of your haplogroup, which
could be thousands or tens of thousands of years ago. This gives you information deep in your patrilineal line.
Tip 18: Y-DNA Testing Might Distinguish Between Two Possible Fathers (or Grandfathers or Great Grandfathers)
Y-DNA can answer specific questions, such as is Father 1 or Father 2 a man’s father. The same is true when there are two Grandfathers and a direct male line. For example,
let’s say your Grandmother had two husbands: Husband 1 and Husband 2, and you are not sure which one was your Grandfather. This requires testing a direct patrilineal
descendant of each husband and yourself (if you’re a man). It also requires the two husbands having different Y-DNA haplogroups. If your haplogroup is the same as the
descendant of Husband 1 and different than the descendant of Husband 2, this would be DNA evidence that Husband 1 was your Grandfather.

Some caveats apply here. Namely, DNA can rule out possibilities, but it cannot in and of itself, “prove” something since often, more information is needed. And some would
argue that you cannot prove anything using DNA. For example, maybe your Grandmother had an affair, or maybe a Grandson of Husband 1 tested, and his Father was not his
biological father. DNA evidence can test a hypothesis and provide evidence to show that Husband 1 or 2 was the Grandfather. Of course, additional evidence would also be
needed.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA TIPS
Tip 19: Mitochondrial DNA Provides Deep Ethnicity Information on Your Matrilineal Line
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is classified into various groups, called “haplogroups.” Haplogroups share similar DNA sequences. There are many different mtDNA haplogroups,
each of which is assigned a unique letter or combination of letters. For example, one mtDNA haplogroup is mtDNA Haplogroup H1a, which is a subtype of the broader
Haplogroup H.

mt-DNA haplogroups provide deep ethnicity information of matrilineal lines. This means that it might tell you about where your matrilineal ancestor came from thousands or
tens of thousands of years ago.

Family Tree DNA and 23andMe provide information on haplogroup origins. You can research this further on the Internet by searching for your haplogroup. For example, the
following sites can provide information:

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_mitochondrial_DNA_haplogroup

Eupedia.com: https://www.eupedia.com

Also, an Internet search for your haplogroup might also uncover scientific studies and blog posts about specific mtDNA-haplogroups. For example, you might find out that
your mtDNA-haplogroup (and thus, your matrilineal line) originates from the British Isles, the New World, Asia, or Africa. You might also learn the age of your haplogroup,
which could be thousands or 10s of thousands of years ago. This gives you information deep in your matrilineal line.
Tip 20: Use Genetic Distance to Review Your Mitochondrial DNA Matches
On mtDNA, genetic distance (GD) is also used. However, mtDNA changes very slowly. This makes it difficult to find a most recent common ancestor in most cases—even
with a match with a GD of zero.
Tip 21: Mitochondrial DNA Testing Might Distinguish Between Two Possible Mothers or Grandmothers
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can answer specific questions, such as is Mother 1 or Mother 2 a specific person’s Mother. The same is true when there are two Grandmothers
and a direct female line. For example, let’s say your Grandfather had two wives: Wife 1 and Wife 2, and you’re not sure which one was your Grandmother. You will need to
find and test a direct matrilineal descendant of each wife and yourself. Also, the two wives must have different mtDNA haplogroups. If your haplogroup is the same as the
descendant of Wife 1 and different than the descendant of Wife 2, this would provide DNA evidence that Wife 1 was your grandmother. Of course, additional evidence
would also be needed.

Some caveats apply here. Namely, DNA can rule out possibilities, but it cannot in and of itself, “prove” something since often, more information is needed. And some would
argue that you cannot prove anything using DNA. For example, maybe the Grandfather had an affair, or maybe a Grandchild of Wife 1 tested, and his or her Mother was not
his biological mother. DNA evidence can test a hypothesis and provide evidence to show that Wife 1 or 2 was the Grandmother.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
Tip 22: Try Third Party Tools

Third party tools are websites and software programs supplied by websites that are run by entities other than DNA testing companies. These websites include Gedmatch
(https://www.gedmatch.com) and DNAGedcom (https://dnagedcom.com/).

Gedmatch
Gedmatch has a collection of DNA test results from people who have transferred their results from different DNA testing companies. Thus, it includes a subset of everyone
who has tested their DNA for genealogy. If you have not tested at all of the DNA testing companies, Gedmatch provides additional matches from companies where you have
not tested. Gedmatch is a free website with many tools. However, it also offers a paid version which offers more features. Note: there have been security concerns about
Gedmatch, so make sure you understand the risks associated with this website and read the Terms and Conditions.

DNAGedcom
DNAGedcom is another website with various tools, such as the Autosomal DNA Segment Analyzer, which allows you to review all of your Family Tree DNA autosomal matches
in one giant chromosome browser. It also has Gworks, which many use for unknown parentage work. DNAGedcom is free, except for its DNA Client tool, which has a nominal
fee. DNA Client is software that allows you to collect your matches’ data from AncestryDNA, Family Tree DNA, and 23andMe. This information is stored in spreadsheets
which makes it easy to review your matches information, sort data, and search for specific things, such as surnames and birth and death places.
Tip 23: Try one of the New DNA Testing Companies

There are several new DNA testing companies that people are starting to use. They include MyHeritage DNA and LivingDNA.

MyHeritage
MyHeritage is a European-based company, thus, it has more testers from Europe, and therefore, should provide mostly European matches. A match list is crucial for
genealogy work.

LivingDNA
LivingDNA provides your DNA mix across 80 world regions, including 21 in Britain and Ireland. It also tests autosomal DNA (atDNA), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and Y-DNA
(if you’re male) LivingDNA promises to provide a match feature in the future.
BONUS TIP
Tip 24: Join a Project at Family Tree DNA
Family Tree DNA runs DNA projects (https://www.familytreedna.com/projects.aspx) focused on specific research interests. Projects are focused on specific Y-DNA or
mitochondrial DNA haplogroups, surnames, religious groups, geographic areas, and combinations of these things. For example, the Mallorcan Jews PR project is a Y-DNA
project to find a possible DNA pattern amongst Puerto Ricans with known or suspected Jewish ancestry from the island of Majorcan, which is off the Spanish coast.

Volunteers run projects. Membership in projects is free and voluntary. Projects provide an opportunity to explore focused research questions.
Resource List
Here is a list of resources mentioned in 23 Best Tips for DNA Testing and Family History:

DNA Testing Companies

23andMe
https://23andme.com

AncestryDNA
https://ancestry.com/dna

Family Tree DNA

https://familytreedna.com

Living DNA
https://livingdna.com

MyHeritage DNA
https://myheritage.com/dna

DNA Relationship Tables

The International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG)

http://www.isogg.org/wiki/Autosomal_DNA_statistics

DNA Detectives FaceBook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/DNADetectives/

DNA Hunters
https://www.DNAHunters.com

The DNA Geek

http://thednageek.com/the-limits-of-predicting-relationships-using-dna/

DNA Standards

Genetic Genealogy Standards

http://www.geneticgenealogystandards.com

DNA Tools

DNAGedcom
https://dnagedcom.com/

Eupedia.com: Haplogroups
https://www.eupedia.com

Family Tree DNA: Genetic Distance Markers

https://www.familytreedna.com/faq-markers.aspx

Family Tree DNA: DNA Projects

https://www.familytreedna.com/projects.aspx

Gedmatch
https://www.gedmatch.com

The Genetic Genealogist: X-DNA Inheritance Patterns

https://thegeneticgenealogist.com/2008/12/21/unlocking-the-genealogical-secrets-of-the-x-chromosome/

ISOGG: Cousin Statistics

https://isogg.org/wiki/Cousin_statistics

Wikipedia: Haplogroups
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Y-chromosome_DNA_haplogroup

Blogs and Social Media

DNA Detectives FaceBook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/DNADetectives/

Genetic Genealogist Tips & Techniques

https://www.facebook.com/groups/geneticgenealogytipsandtechniques/

The DNA Geek blog

http://thednageek.com/
Check Out DNA Hunters

DNA Hunters can help you!

determine which DNA test is best for you

understand your DNA results

combine your DNA results with traditional genealogy methods

We have helped many clients achieve their goals. DNA Hunters specializes in helping adoptees and others with unknown parents find their birth families.

Are you . . .

trying to solve a family mystery?

looking for lost ancestors, your birth family, or where your family comes from?

thinking about using DNA for genealogy research, but want guidance on the best approach?

feeling overwhelmed now that you have your DNA results?

Visit DNA Hunters LLC today at https://dnahunters.com/

DNA Boot Camps

After reading 23 Best Tips for DNA Testing and Family History you may be ready for a more in-depth educational experience related to specific DNA topics. Author and
genetic expert Mary Eberle has created a series of on-line “boot camps” covering a variety of DNA and genetic genealogy topics. Each digital download includes two
recorded webinars (90 minutes each) plus syllabus materials all at a reasonable price.

For more information please visit the Hack Genealogy website at http://hackgenealogy.com/features/store/

Getting Started with DNA and Genealogy Boot Camp

Introduction to Using DNA for Genealogy Research: Want to start using DNA for genealogy research but want guidance on the best approach? Received your DNA
results and want a better understanding of them? This talk covers DNA basics, available tests, where to test, and how to develop your DNA testing plan.

Using Autosomal DNA for Genealogy Research: Autosomal DNA (atDNA) provides the most useful information for most genealogists. Learn how to analyze your atDNA
test results and how to find common ancestors with your DNA matches.

Additional DNA Tools and Concepts Boot Camp

GEDMatch – Powerful Tools for Analyzing DNA Results and Finding New DNA Matches: GEDMatch is a free, third-party website offering additional tools to interpret
your DNA results. Tools include a chromosome browser. GEDMatch accepts DNA test results from Ancestry, FTDNA, and 23andMe. It can be a great way to find new
matches. Learn how to use this helpful website.

Using Y-DNA, Mitochondrial DNA, and X-DNA for Genealogy Research: Understanding when these types of DNA can help (and when they won’t) is crucial. Learn how
these types of DNA can be used to answer your genealogy questions.

Interpreting Your AncestryDNA Results Boot Camp

AncestryDNA: AncestryDNA has the largest database of people tested, helpful tools for analyzing your DNA test results, and many family trees posted by people
who’ve tested. Learn how to interpret your DNA results from Ancestry.
 Ancestry DNA Hands-on Exercise: In this hands-on exercise, we’ll go through steps to sort through your matches and makes sense out of them. We’ll also discuss the
best way to approach your matches to set the stage for developing a productive relationship with them.

Interpreting Your FTDNA and 23andMe Results Boot Camp

Family Tree DNA: Learn how to navigate your Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) results both on the FTDNA website. This webinar will also provide an overview of the third-
party tool, DNAGedcom, and how to use it to analyze your FTDNA results.

23andMe: Learn how to best use your 23andMe results. This webinar covers both the genealogy portion and the health information that 23andMe provides.

Solving Family Mysteries with DNA Boot Camp

Mirror Trees: Mirror trees are trees built based on matches’ trees. They’re often used in unknown parentage cases. However, they’re also helpful for breaking down
brick walls further back in your tree and determining how your matches are related to each other and to you. Learn how to build and use mirror trees.

Best Tools for Researching Difficult DNA Matches: Have a really strong DNA match, but that the person doesn’t even have a name, let alone a tree? This webinar
covers both free and subscription-based websites to help your detective work. It also covers the clues that can be used to figure out who matches are, where they’re
from, and other important information. These new insights into your mystery can help you figure out your connection to them and place them in your family tree.

Finding Birth Families Using DNA Boot Camp

Using DNA for Adoption & Unknown Parentage Work: In many states, adoptees have no or limited rights to information on their birth families. This is why DNA is
important for many adoptees looking for their birth families. Learn techniques and resources for adoptees and others with unknown parents.

Adoption & Unknown Parentage Case Studies: This webinar describes two case studies of adoptees. Both used DNA to find their birth families. Learn the steps
required for each case.
23 Best Tips for DNA Testing and Family History
Copyright © 2017 by Mary Eberle, JD. Ebook Amazon Kindle edition.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the author. Reviewers may quote brief passages in reviews.

Disclaimer and FTC Notice

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying or recording, or by any
information storage and retrieval system, or transmitted by email without permission in writing from the publisher.

While all attempts have been made to verify the information provided in this publication, neither the author nor the publisher assume any responsibility for errors,
omissions, or contrary interpretations of the subject matter herein.

Neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility or liability whatsoever on the behalf of the purchaser or reader of these materials.
About The Author

Mary Eberle is an experienced genetic genealogist and a DNA expert. She is a former patent attorney with extensive DNA experience. Mary began her work in the field of
DNA research over 30 years ago. She now owns DNA Hunters, LLC, which finds people’s biological parents and helps people understand their DNA results. Mary lectures on
genetic genealogy throughout the United States and Canada.