RadicaeGenealogy & DNA research
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Genealogy & DNA research

DNA terms explained

Four key concepts for evaluating DNA matches more confidently.

Centimorgans (cM)

Centimorgans measure the combined size of shared DNA segments. More shared cM usually suggests a closer relationship, but different relationships can have overlapping ranges. Always use ranges and supporting evidence.

Shared matches

A shared match matches both you and another match. This overlap can help identify the relevant family branch, but it does not automatically prove that everyone shares the same DNA segment.

Clusters

A cluster is a group of matches who often also match one another. It may point to one ancestral couple or family branch. Family trees and records are needed to identify the group.

Family trees and DNA matches

Family trees let you compare names, places and ancestral lines across matches. Online trees can contain errors, so verify important connections in original or reliable records.

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