{"id":80263,"date":"2026-04-09T10:04:58","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T15:04:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/?p=80263"},"modified":"2026-04-10T10:38:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T15:38:18","slug":"using-autosomal-dna-genealogy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/es\/using-autosomal-dna-genealogy\/","title":{"rendered":"Using Autosomal DNA in Genealogical Research"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;647634&#8243;]By: Katy Rowe-Schurwanz<\/p>\n<div class=\"ftdna-callout\" style=\"margin: 1.5rem 0; padding: 1.25rem; border: 2px solid #00b2aa; border-radius: 8px; background: #e6f7f6;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top: 0; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; color: #00b2aa;\">Explore the Autosomal DNA Series<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0.5rem 0 0;\">Start with the basics, then continue through the series to learn how autosomal DNA works, what your results mean, and how to use them in genealogy.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 0.5rem 2rem; margin-top: 0.75rem;\">\n<div>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0; padding-left: 1.25rem;\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/what-is-autosomal-dna\/\">What Is Autosomal DNA?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/how-autosomal-dna-testing-works\/\">How Autosomal DNA Testing Works<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/interpreting-family-finder-matches\/\/\">How to Interpret DNA Matches<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/recent-and-ancient-origin-results\/\">Understanding DNA Ethnicity and Origin Results<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0; padding-left: 1.25rem;\">\n<li><strong>Using Autosomal DNA in Genealogical Research<\/strong> <em>(current article)<\/em><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/autosomal-dna-upload\/\">How to Upload Autosomal DNA to FamilyTreeDNA<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/autosomal-dna-tips\/\">Tips for Using Autosomal DNA<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Learn how autosomal DNA works with traditional genealogy, Y-DNA, and mtDNA to confirm relationships and uncover deeper family connections.<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.familytreedna.com\/products\/family-finder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Autosomal DNA<\/a> is a powerful tool for genealogy\u2014but it doesn\u2019t tell the whole story on its own.<\/p>\n<p>While autosomal DNA can help you identify relatives across all branches of your family tree, understanding how those relatives are connected requires combining your DNA results with other methods. Traditional genealogy, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.familytreedna.com\/products\/y-dna\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Y-DNA<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.familytreedna.com\/products\/mt-dna\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mtDNA<\/a> testing each provide a different piece of the puzzle.<\/p>\n<p>By using these tools together, you can move beyond finding matches to confirming relationships, narrowing down ancestral lines, and uncovering deeper connections in your family history.<\/p>\n<h2>How is autosomal DNA used in genealogy?<\/h2>\n<p>Autosomal DNA is used in genealogy to identify relatives and confirm family connections across both maternal and paternal lines. It is most effective when combined with traditional genealogy, Y-DNA, and mtDNA to determine how those relatives are connected.<\/p>\n<h2>Autosomal DNA as Part of a Toolkit<\/h2>\n<p>Autosomal DNA is just one tool in a genealogist\u2019s toolkit. Each type of research answers a different question, and understanding how they work together is key to building your family tree.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Autosomal DNA:<\/strong> Who are my relatives?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Traditional genealogy:<\/strong> How are we related?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Y-DNA:<\/strong> What can I learn about my direct paternal line?<\/li>\n<li><strong>mtDNA:<\/strong> What can I learn about my direct maternal line?,\/li&gt;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By combining these approaches, you can move from identifying potential connections to confirming exactly where those connections belong in your family tree.<\/p>\n<h2>Combining Autosomal DNA with Traditional Genealogy<\/h2>\n<p>Autosomal DNA can identify relatives across all branches of your family tree\u2014but it doesn\u2019t tell you exactly how you\u2019re related. That\u2019s where traditional genealogy comes in.<\/p>\n<h3>Confirming Family Connections Using Autosomal DNA<\/h3>\n<p>Autosomal DNA is one of the most powerful tools in genealogy, helping you find relatives and confirm family connections across all branches of your family tree.<\/p>\n<p><strong>DNA matches can show that you are related, but they don\u2019t explain exactly how you\u2019re connected.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>To use autosomal DNA effectively in genealogy, you\u2019ll need to combine your <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/interpreting-family-finder-matches\/#family-finder-matches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DNA matches<\/a> with traditional research.<\/p>\n<p>When reviewing your DNA matches, the goal is to determine which ancestor you share and how each match fits into your family tree. This often involves comparing family trees, reviewing historical records, and identifying shared surnames or locations.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Traditional genealogy provides the documented evidence needed to confirm relationships.<\/strong> Autosomal DNA testing for genealogy offers supporting clues through shared DNA. Together, they allow you to move from a possible connection to a confirmed one.<\/p>\n<p>This process becomes especially important when multiple individuals share the same name or live in the same area. While records can help narrow down the possibilities, analyzing DNA matches for genealogy\u2014and even testing descendants from different potential family lines\u2014can help confirm which connection is correct.<\/p>\n<h3>Resolving Misattributed Parentage with Autosomal DNA<\/h3>\n<p>In some cases, autosomal DNA testing for genealogy can reveal unexpected relationships or help answer questions that traditional records cannot. This is often referred to as misattributed parentage\u2014when a biological relationship differs from what is documented in a family tree.<\/p>\n<p>In the genetic genealogy community, this may also be called a <strong>non-paternal event (NPE)<\/strong> or, more broadly, a <strong>\u201cnot parent expected\u201d<\/strong> event.<\/p>\n<p>In simpler cases, resolving these questions may only require identifying close <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/interpreting-family-finder-matches\/#family-finder-matches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DNA matches<\/a>. For example, individuals searching for biological family members\u2014such as adoptees\u2014may be able to find answers through immediate or close matches who share a significant amount of DNA.<\/p>\n<p><strong>More complex cases require deeper analysis of DNA matches for genealogy.<\/strong> When matches are more distant, you\u2019ll need to determine whether multiple individuals descend from the same ancestor and how they connect to you.<\/p>\n<p><strong>This is where grouping and comparing matches becomes essential.<\/strong> By identifying which matches share DNA with each other, you can begin forming clusters of related individuals. These groups can point to a shared ancestor, even if that ancestor is not yet known.<\/p>\n<p>To support this analysis, <strong>several tools can be used together<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/interpreting-family-finder-matches\/#family-finder-matches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">In Common With (ICW) \/ Not In Common With (NICW):<\/a> Filters that help you identify which DNA matches are related to each other or belong to different branches<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/interpreting-family-finder-matches\/#family-finder-matches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Matching:<\/a> Uses known relationships to automatically assign matches to your maternal or paternal side when possible<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/interpreting-family-finder-matches\/#chromosome-browser\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chromosome Browser:<\/a> Confirms shared DNA segments between matches<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/interpreting-family-finder-matches\/#family-finder-matrix\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Finder Matrix:<\/a> Compares multiple matches at once to identify shared connections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By combining these tools with shared family trees and historical records, you can confirm whether a group of matches descends from the same ancestor. From there, you can identify your most recent common ancestor and resolve questions about parentage with greater confidence.<\/p>\n<h2>Combining Autosomal DNA with Y-DNA and mtDNA<\/h2>\n<p>Autosomal DNA looks across all branches of your family tree, while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.familytreedna.com\/products\/y-dna\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Y-DNA<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.familytreedna.com\/products\/mt-dna\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mtDNA<\/a> focus on direct paternal and maternal lines. These different inheritance patterns make them powerful tools when used together.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image media=&#8221;81824&#8243; media_lightbox=&#8221;yes&#8221; media_width_percent=&#8221;65&#8243; lbox_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221; lbox_social=&#8221;yes&#8221; uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;270315&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;184910&#8243;]When autosomal DNA gets messy, Y-DNA simplifies things. And when maternal lines become difficult to trace through records alone, mtDNA can provide answers that traditional genealogy cannot.<\/p>\n<h3>Using Y-DNA to Confirm Paternal Ancestors<\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image media=&#8221;81825&#8243; media_lightbox=&#8221;yes&#8221; media_width_percent=&#8221;65&#8243; lbox_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221; lbox_social=&#8221;yes&#8221; uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;140855&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;135083&#8243;]Y-DNA is especially useful for confirming direct paternal line relationships because it <strong>follows a single line of inheritance\u2014from father to son<\/strong>\u2014often aligning with surname lines. This makes it a powerful tool for cutting through ambiguity when autosomal DNA results are unclear.<\/p>\n<p>When autosomal DNA matches suggest multiple possible connections, <strong>Y-DNA can help narrow the focus to your direct paternal line<\/strong>. If a match shares both Y-DNA and autosomal DNA with you, it may indicate that your most recent common ancestor is relatively recent and part of that direct line.<\/p>\n<p>If the connection is less clear, you can use your <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/interpreting-family-finder-matches\/#family-finder-matches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Finder matches<\/a> to look for patterns.<\/p>\n<p>For example, you might <strong>search for matches who share surnames<\/strong> associated with your direct paternal line, <strong>including the surnames of spouses<\/strong> in that line. These patterns can help you identify which branch of your family the connection belongs to.<\/p>\n<p>In cases involving unknown or misattributed parentage along the paternal line, Y-DNA can be especially valuable. By <strong>identifying matches who carry the same or related surnames<\/strong>\u2014or who list those names in their ancestral information\u2014you can begin narrowing down potential family lines and confirming your direct paternal ancestry.<\/p>\n<h3>Using mtDNA to Confirm Maternal Ancestors<\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image media=&#8221;81826&#8243; media_lightbox=&#8221;yes&#8221; media_width_percent=&#8221;65&#8243; lbox_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221; lbox_social=&#8221;yes&#8221; uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;994753&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;430985&#8243;]mtDNA is used to trace your direct maternal line, which is <strong>passed from mother to child across generations<\/strong>. Unlike Y-DNA, it <strong>does not follow traditional surname patterns<\/strong>, which can make maternal lines more difficult to trace using traditional genealogy alone.<\/p>\n<p>When autosomal DNA matches provide limited clues about your maternal line, <strong>mtDNA can help confirm whether a connection follows your direct maternal ancestry<\/strong>. If a match shares both mtDNA and autosomal DNA with you, it may suggest a more recent common ancestor along that maternal line.<\/p>\n<p>Because <strong>surnames often change each generation on the maternal side<\/strong>, you\u2019ll need to <strong>rely more heavily on context<\/strong> from your <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/interpreting-family-finder-matches\/#family-finder-matches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Finder matches<\/a>. This includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>reviewing family trees<\/li>\n<li>identifying shared locations<\/li>\n<li>looking for recurring surnames associated with both your direct maternal ancestors and their spouses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Although mtDNA typically reaches further back in time and may not always point to a recent ancestor, it can still <strong>play a critical role in confirming maternal line relationships<\/strong>\u2014especially when combined with autosomal DNA and traditional research.<\/p>\n<h3>Leveraging the Advanced Matches Tool for Deeper Insights<\/h3>\n<p>The Advanced Matches tool allows you to compare your results across multiple types of DNA tests, helping you identify connections that may not be obvious when looking at each test individually.<\/p>\n<p>By combining autosomal DNA with Y-DNA or mtDNA results, you can narrow down which ancestral line a match belongs to and gain deeper insight into your shared ancestry.<\/p>\n<h4>What is Advanced Matches?<\/h4>\n<p>The Advanced Matches tool lets you search for individuals who match you across more than one type of DNA test\u2014such as both autosomal DNA (Family Finder) and Y-DNA or mtDNA.<\/p>\n<p>When a match appears across multiple tests, it can indicate that your shared ancestor is on a more specific line of your family tree. For example:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A match on both autosomal DNA and Y-DNA may suggest a connection on your direct paternal line<\/li>\n<li>A match on both autosomal DNA and mtDNA may suggest a connection on your direct maternal line<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In some cases, this can point to a relatively recent common ancestor.<\/p>\n<p>However, it\u2019s important to remember that autosomal DNA reflects all of your ancestral lines. This means a match could appear across multiple tests for different reasons\u2014for example, a closer relationship on one line and a more distant connection on another.<\/p>\n<h4>How to Use Advanced Matches<\/h4>\n<p>To use Advanced Matches, you can filter your results to identify individuals who match you on multiple tests at the same time.<\/p>\n<p>This allows you to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Focus on matches that are more likely to be relevant to a specific ancestral line<\/li>\n<li>Reduce the number of potential connections you need to evaluate<\/li>\n<li>Identify patterns that may not be visible when reviewing each match list separately<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>What You\u2019ll Find in Advanced Matches<\/h4>\n<p>After running an Advanced Matches search, you\u2019ll see a table of results along with several filtering options to help you focus on the most relevant matches.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image media=&#8221;81827&#8243; media_lightbox=&#8221;yes&#8221; media_width_percent=&#8221;65&#8243; lbox_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221; lbox_social=&#8221;yes&#8221; uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;109070&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;151920&#8243;]Here are the key features you\u2019ll find on this page:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Test Type Filters:<\/strong> Select which tests to compare, including Family Finder (autosomal DNA), Y-DNA, and mtDNA. Your available options depend on which tests you\u2019ve taken.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Match Across Multiple Tests:<\/strong> Filter to show only individuals who match you on all selected tests, helping you identify connections that may be more relevant to a specific ancestral line.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Surname Filter:<\/strong> Narrow your results by searching for matches with specific last names, which can be especially useful when researching direct paternal or maternal lines.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Project Filter:<\/strong> If you belong to a Group Project, you can choose to view matches within that project or across the entire database.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Match List Overview:<\/strong> Each result includes key details such as your match\u2019s name (or private status), available contact options, family tree links, and testing levels.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Haplogroups:<\/strong> Displays Y-DNA and mtDNA haplogroups for your matches, when available, helping you identify shared direct-line ancestry.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Genetic Distance &amp; Relationship Range:<\/strong> Shows how closely you match across Y-DNA, mtDNA, or autosomal DNA, depending on the tests being compared.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>After running an Advanced Matches search, you\u2019ll see a list of individuals who meet your selected criteria. From there, you can begin reviewing their profiles, family trees, and shared match information to better understand how you may be connected.<\/p>\n<h4>Next Steps After Finding a Match in Advanced Matches<\/h4>\n<p>Finding a match across multiple tests is just the starting point. To confirm how you\u2019re related, you\u2019ll need to combine this information with additional analysis.<\/p>\n<p>This typically involves using Family Finder tools alongside traditional genealogy research:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Family Matching:<\/strong> Helps determine whether matches belong to your maternal or paternal side<\/li>\n<li><strong>In Common With (ICW) \/ Not In Common With (NICW):<\/strong> Identifies which matches are related to each other<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chromosome Browser:<\/strong> Confirms shared DNA segments between matches<\/li>\n<li><strong>Matrix:<\/strong> Compares multiple matches at once to identify shared connections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By using these tools together, you can confirm whether a match identified through Advanced Matches connects to your direct paternal or maternal line. From there, you can narrow down your most recent common ancestor and better understand how that match fits into your family tree.<\/p>\n<h3>Recruiting Testers for Direct Line Research<\/h3>\n<p>Autosomal DNA can also help you identify individuals who may be strong candidates for additional testing, allowing you to expand your research into specific paternal or maternal lines.<\/p>\n<p>For Y-DNA, this means finding matches who are connected to your direct paternal line\u2014or to other paternal lines in your family tree, such as a maternal grandfather\u2019s line. Because Y-DNA often follows surname patterns, reviewing match surnames, family trees, and existing Y-DNA haplogroups can help you identify the best candidates for testing.<\/p>\n<p>For mtDNA, the approach is similar but relies less on surnames. Instead, you\u2019ll focus on family trees, shared ancestral lines, and known maternal connections to identify individuals who descend from the direct maternal line you\u2019re researching. As more mtDNA haplogroup data becomes available alongside autosomal results, this process will become even more effective.<\/p>\n<p>By identifying and recruiting the right testers, you can extend your research beyond your own DNA results\u2014helping you confirm direct-line ancestry, explore new branches of your family tree, and uncover connections that may not be visible through autosomal DNA alone.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently asked Questions<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Does autosomal DNA ever replace genealogy?<\/strong><br \/>\nNo, autosomal DNA does not replace traditional genealogy\u2014it complements it by identifying genetic connections that must be confirmed with historical records.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Will a Y-DNA or mtDNA test help if I\u2019ve already taken an autosomal DNA test?<\/strong><br \/>\nYes, Y-DNA and mtDNA tests can provide more focused insights into your direct paternal and maternal lines, helping you confirm specific ancestors and narrow down connections that autosomal DNA alone cannot resolve.[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator sep_color=&#8221;,Default&#8221;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;131994&#8243;]Autosomal DNA is a powerful starting point for genealogy, but it becomes even more effective when combined with traditional research, Y-DNA, and mtDNA testing.<\/p>\n<p>By using these tools together, you can move beyond identifying relatives to confirming relationships, narrowing down ancestral lines, and uncovering connections that might otherwise remain hidden. Each method contributes a different piece of the puzzle\u2014working together to give you a more complete and accurate picture of your family history.<\/p>\n<p>Next, we\u2019ll explore the autosomal DNA transfer option and how you can use existing DNA results to access Family Finder tools and expand your research.[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;261582&#8243;]<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/recent-and-ancient-origin-results\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&lt; Understanding DNA Ethnicity and Origin Results<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;195535&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/autosomal-dna-upload\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Upload Autosomal DNA to FamilyTreeDNA&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243;][vc_separator sep_color=&#8221;,Default&#8221;][uncode_author_profile user_id=&#8221;11&#8243; avatar_size=&#8221;250&#8243; heading_semantic=&#8221;h3&#8243; text_size=&#8221;h3&#8243; social=&#8221;&#8221; display_button=&#8221;yes&#8221; button_content=&#8221;Read More From Katy&#8221; hover_fx=&#8221;full-colored&#8221; uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;771402&#8243; button_color_type=&#8221;uncode-solid&#8221; button_color_solid=&#8221;#ff6900&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to use autosomal DNA in genealogy by combining DNA matches with traditional research, Y-DNA, and mtDNA to confirm relationships and uncover deeper family connections.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":81828,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[118,1211],"tags":[1286],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v21.2 (Yoast SEO v21.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Using Autosomal DNA in Genealogical Research<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to use autosomal DNA for genealogy. Combine DNA matches with Y-DNA, mtDNA, and traditional research to confirm connections.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/using-autosomal-dna-genealogy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Using Autosomal DNA in Genealogical Research\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to use autosomal DNA in genealogy by combining DNA matches with traditional research, Y-DNA, and mtDNA to confirm relationships and uncover deeper family connections.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/using-autosomal-dna-genealogy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"FamilyTreeDNA Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/FamilyTreeDNA\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-04-09T15:04:58+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-10T15:38:18+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Using-Autosomal-DNA-in-Genealogical-Research_Explore-Your-DNA_FamilyTreeDNA.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"945\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Katy Rowe-Schurwanz\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@FamilyTreeDNA\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@FamilyTreeDNA\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Katy Rowe-Schurwanz\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/using-autosomal-dna-genealogy\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/using-autosomal-dna-genealogy\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Katy Rowe-Schurwanz\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/#\/schema\/person\/65f1684fb06a4cc2f27ab30172912a23\"},\"headline\":\"Using Autosomal DNA in Genealogical Research\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-04-09T15:04:58+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-10T15:38:18+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/using-autosomal-dna-genealogy\/\"},\"wordCount\":2589,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/#organization\"},\"keywords\":[\"Explore Your DNA\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Ancestry\",\"Family Finder\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/using-autosomal-dna-genealogy\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/using-autosomal-dna-genealogy\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/using-autosomal-dna-genealogy\/\",\"name\":\"Using Autosomal DNA in Genealogical Research\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.familytreedna.com\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-04-09T15:04:58+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-10T15:38:18+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn how to use autosomal DNA for genealogy. 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