AncestryDNA Cheat Sheet
Understanding and Using Your Results
Ancestry.com is a household name. And with more than 25 million test takers, AncestryDNA has the largest consumer database of DNA. Tap into that vast network of possible relatives—and the site’s popular ethnicity estimates—with the AncestryDNA Cheat Sheet. This eight-page guide (updated to reflect the major changes to AncestryDNA results in 2024 and 2025) will walk you through the site’s key features and how to apply them to your research.
You'll love this if:
-
You’ve taken a DNA test for the first time and want help interpreting your results
-
You want to get more out of your AncestryDNA test and subscription
-
Your AncestryDNA results have changed and you want to understand why
What's inside the cheat sheet?
-
A review of the basics of genetic genealogy—perfect for both newbies and experienced family historians looking for a refresher
- Key information about AncestryDNA ethnicity estimates and Journeys (population-level community groups): how they’re calculated, how accurate they are, and why they change
-
A detailed guide to DNA matches and how to analyze them, plus where to contact possible relatives
- A chart showing how shared DNA can predict relationships
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A clear overview of what AncestryDNA tools are free, and which require a paid subscription
-
Summaries of other useful AncestryDNA tools, including ThruLines and Traits
Once you download the AncestryDNA Cheat Sheet, you'll need a PDF reader, such as the free Adobe Reader software, to open it. Adobe Reader is available for both Mac and Windows computers.
Understanding and Using Your Results
Ancestry.com is a household name. And with more than 25 million test takers, AncestryDNA has the largest consumer database of DNA. Tap into that vast network of possible relatives—and the site’s popular ethnicity estimates—with the AncestryDNA Cheat Sheet. This eight-page guide (updated to reflect the major changes to AncestryDNA results in 2024 and 2025) will walk you through the site’s key features and how to apply them to your research.
You'll love this if:
-
You’ve taken a DNA test for the first time and want help interpreting your results
-
You want to get more out of your AncestryDNA test and subscription
-
Your AncestryDNA results have changed and you want to understand why
What's inside the cheat sheet?
-
A review of the basics of genetic genealogy—perfect for both newbies and experienced family historians looking for a refresher
- Key information about AncestryDNA ethnicity estimates and Journeys (population-level community groups): how they’re calculated, how accurate they are, and why they change
-
A detailed guide to DNA matches and how to analyze them, plus where to contact possible relatives
- A chart showing how shared DNA can predict relationships
-
A clear overview of what AncestryDNA tools are free, and which require a paid subscription
-
Summaries of other useful AncestryDNA tools, including ThruLines and Traits
Once you download the AncestryDNA Cheat Sheet, you'll need a PDF reader, such as the free Adobe Reader software, to open it. Adobe Reader is available for both Mac and Windows computers.