Admixture Calculator

HGDP K12

HGDP K12 estimates your genetic ancestry using a 12‑component model built on HGDP reference populations. It delivers proportional ancestry signals tied to global groups (West/East Africa, Near East, South/Central/Southeast Asia, East Asia, Europe, the Americas, Oceania), useful for researchers, genealogists, and curious individuals seeking accessible, contextualized insight into population history and admixture.

12 Components

World Target Region

Kakaji Author

Modern Era

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Chapter I

Calculator Details

Comprehensive information about this admixture calculator

Author Kakaji

Era Modern

Components 12 Populations

Target Region World

Created September 2023

Kakaji

Calculator Creator

About This Calculator

The HGDP K12 calculator estimates an individual’s genetic ancestry by comparing their genotype to a curated set of global reference populations derived from the Human Genome Diversity Project (HGDP). Using a 12-component clustering model tailored for modern populations, it quantifies proportional ancestry signals tied to geographically and historically meaningful groups — for example Gambian and Esan (West Africa), Luhya (East Africa), Bedouin (Near East), Irula (South India), Kalash (Central/South Asia), Dai and Japanese (East Asia), Finn (Northern Europe), Karitiana (Native American) and Papuan (Oceania) — plus broad “African (Continent)” representation. The calculator is designed for a worldwide audience: geneticists, population historians, genealogy enthusiasts, students, and curious individuals who want a clearer picture of deep and recent biogeographic ancestry. Outputs are proportional estimates that highlight major ancestral components in a person’s genome and show how those components map onto historical migrations, population structure, and regional admixture. Users gain insight into continental and subcontinental affinities, detect traces of ancient gene flow (e.g., Eurasian–African exchanges), and compare personal results to known population signatures. The tool contextualizes findings with plain-language explanations so both technical and nontechnical users can interpret results responsibly. Like all admixture tools, the HGDP K12 model provides probabilistic estimates rather than definitive “labels.” Results depend on the chosen reference set and model assumptions; shared ancestry, recent admixture, genetic drift, and limited reference sampling can blur component boundaries. Despite these limits, this calculator is valuable because it combines a well-documented HGDP reference framework with an intuitive K=12 breakdown, making it useful for exploratory research, teaching, or personal discovery. It helps translate complex population genetics into action

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Chapter II

Reference Populations

The populations used as genetic references in this calculator

12 Reference Populations

Gambian: Predominantly from Gambia, West Africa, influenced by various African ethnic groups.
Japanese: Representing the population of Japan, East Asia, primarily composed of the Yamato people.
Karitiana: Indigenous people from the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, South America, with limited outside admixture.
Esan_Nigeria: An ethnic group from southern Nigeria, West Africa, known for their unique cultural heritage.
African (Continent):
- Gambian
- Esan_Nigeria
- Luhya: Primarily from Kenya, East Africa, part of the Bantu ethnic group.
Bedouin: Traditionally nomadic Arab people from the Middle East and North Africa region.
Irula: Indigenous group from Tamil Nadu, South India, originally known for a tribal lifestyle.
Kalash: People in the Chitral District of Pakistan, with unique Indo-European influences.
Dai: Ethnic group predominantly in Yunnan Province, China, part of the Tai ethnic groups.
Papuan: Indigenous people from Papua New Guinea and parts of Indonesia, diverse with numerous languages.
Finn: Primarily Finnish, from Finland, Northern Europe, with Uralic and Nordic ancestries.

Chapter III

Understanding Admixture Analysis

Learn how admixture calculators work and how to interpret your results

What is Admixture Analysis?

Admixture analysis is a method used to estimate your genetic ancestry by comparing your DNA to reference populations from around the world. Think of it as creating a recipe of your genetic makeup, where the ingredients are different ancestral populations.

This calculator uses 12 carefully selected modern populations as references, allowing for a detailed breakdown of your genetic heritage.

How It Works

Your DNA is compared to 12 reference populations
Modern populations are used as genetic references
Results show your genetic similarity to these populations
More accurate with a diverse reference panel

Understanding Your Results

Your results will show percentages of genetic similarity to these reference populations. Remember these important points:

Results reflect genetic similarity, not direct ancestry
Modern populations are used as references
Percentages indicate relative genetic contribution
Results are estimates based on available reference data