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While some people use Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to organize DNA matches, it's also possible to use paper worksheets to record information and narrow down the search for ancestors. Paper forms are easy to use, and don't require purchasing Microsoft Office or learning how to use spreadsheet software.  Regardless of the tools you use for triangulation, don't expect instant breakthroughs. The process may take months to triangulate DNA matches to a specific shared ancestor. It will almost certainly require reaching out to DNA matches and encouraging them to share family details that may not be included in their website...

All major genetic genealogy services show long lists of people who match part of your DNA. The problem is they don't show how you match. Is the match with your mother's or father's side of the family? Could it be from the Smith branch, or the Jones, or some other surname further back in your tree?  The only clue provided by the DNA testing company may be a "predicted relationship" based on the length of shared DNA. The shorter the segment, the more distant the relationship.  Let's say you have a DNA match with a predicted fourth cousin, Jennifer. The...

One popular use of DNA genealogy test results is triangulation, a process that can help genealogists identify specific ancestors and relatives.  Triangulation involves matching segments of one person's DNA to segments belonging to at least two other people who aren't closely related, such as aunts, uncles, or cousins. Then, using traditional genealogy research, it's possible to identify the common ancestor shared by all three people. Triangulation can help genealogists unearth new surnames, determine how previously unknown cousins are related, and confirm family lines.   Unfortunately, few DNA testing services include triangulation tools. Genealogists who want to perform triangulation with DNA test...

What happens when your computer crashes, or your Ancestry.com subscription lapses? It's easy enough to say "store it in the cloud" or "we have a backup" but as many users of genealogical websites and software tools from previous decades know, such tools may themselves shut down or no longer be supported.