Ancestry, with
room for questions.

Ancestry estimates compare your DNA with selected reference samples. Services can use different markers, reference populations, statistical methods and labels, so the same file can produce different estimates.

Similarity between neighbouring or historically connected populations can overlap. A population label describes a model's reference comparison; it does not establish an ethnicity, nationality or a particular ancestor.

Contemporary-population comparisons focus on similarity to present-day reference samples. Historical or ancient-population comparisons use different references and historical contexts.

The reports answer related questions through different comparisons. Neither a label nor a percentage proves descent from a named person or establishes when a family connection occurred. Read each report's methods and limitations before comparing its output with another report.

No single percentage identifies a particular ancestor or dates a family connection. A similarity estimate depends on marker coverage, the reference panel, the model and overlapping patterns between populations.

Use documentary records and independently supported family research when investigating genealogy. Small or unexpected components need careful interpretation; they can reflect model uncertainty or shared population history.

Genetic similarity describes patterns shared between a DNA sample and the samples in a reference comparison. Human genetic variation overlaps across populations and is shaped by long histories of movement and mixing.

A closest reference match is conditional on the available samples and method. It is not a complete family history or a statement about a person's cultural identity.

The map is designed as a visual guide to help you understand the primary regions our test focuses on. While it provides a general overview, some regions may not encompass all areas that could be culturally or historically associated with that region. Therefore, the map should be seen as a simplified representation rather than a precise boundary of genetic distributions.

Reference-region labels describe groups used in a comparison, not national borders or a precise personal birthplace. Your DNA may show similarity to several neighbouring or historically connected reference groups.

Country and regional labels are research context. They should not be treated as definitive evidence of a family's geographic origins.

Read the report's method, reference sources and limitations. Compare its findings with documented family research and the historical context of the reference populations.

Populations are not isolated or genetically pure categories. Culture, identity and family history extend beyond a statistical genetic comparison.

Physical traits vary within populations and depend on multiple genetic and environmental influences. Appearance is not a reliable test of ancestry, nationality or cultural identity.

A difference between a similarity estimate and an expected appearance does not establish an additional ancestral connection.

Different reports use complementary methods, including admixture modelling, segment comparison, PCA or UMAP projection and haplogroup analysis. The method and reference data determine what a particular result can show.

Phasing groups alleles into chromosome copies. Identifying a copy as maternal or paternal requires additional information; it should not be assumed from a statistical comparison alone. Read how our analysis works for the methods and their limitations.

Reference panels bring together samples from sources such as 1000 Genomes, HGDP and published scientific research. Coverage and population labels depend on the report and its version. The labels below are examples from this reference guide, not a guarantee that every report uses the same panel.

Historical-population comparisons use report-specific reference panels. This guide lists examples of regional labels associated with those comparisons. Check the methods and reference information in the report you are reading; these broad labels are not precise historical or cultural boundaries.

Haplogroup predictions require usable mtDNA or Y-DNA markers in the selected file. Marker coverage varies by test, chip version and file format. The availability of one lineage does not imply the other is available.

Read the lineage report's data-availability and quality information. A missing prediction is not evidence that a lineage is absent; the file may not contain enough usable information.

First check which lineage markers your existing file contains and review the report's quality information. A file with more relevant, usable markers may support a more detailed assignment, but a deeper prediction is not guaranteed.

If considering another test, verify its current mtDNA or Y-DNA coverage, export format and compatibility before purchasing. This page does not rank providers or guarantee their current offerings.

Report output can change when marker coverage, file processing, reference panels or statistical methods change. Files from different tests can also differ in their tested positions and missing calls.

When comparing results, keep track of the file, report version and settings. A change in an estimate does not by itself explain a change in biological ancestry.

Use a supported, unmodified file and check its format and marker coverage against the upload instructions. More relevant, usable markers can help a particular analysis; file size or a provider's name alone does not establish suitability.

See the upload options and analysis methods. Provider export formats and test versions can change, so check current compatibility rather than relying on an old provider ranking.

Yes, the count of Neanderthal-related variants in your results depends on the DNA markers included in your uploaded file. Variations in marker availability across different testing platforms can impact the results.

Methods, reference panels and report content may be revised. Check the revision information available in the report. Estimates can change after a model or reference update even when the uploaded file is unchanged.