Genealogy, Explained.

Clear, step-by-step guides to help you trace your family history — from your first search to your biggest breakthrough.

Where to Start

New to genealogy? Here are the three most essential guides to kickstart your journey.

Beginner

How to Start Your Genealogy Research

A complete roadmap for beginners to build their first tree.

DNA

The 5 Best DNA Tests

Compare AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and more to find the right kit.

Resources

26 Free Genealogy Websites

Save money with these powerful free databases and archives.

Free Research Tools

Calculators and converters to help your analysis.

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Shared cM Project Graph

Interactive tool for centimorgan relationship probabilities.

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23andMe Converter

Convert your raw data to standard formats.

calculate

Cousin Calculator

Calculate relationships based on shared ancestors.

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DNA Match Spreadsheet

Organize and track your DNA matches effectively.

Resource Hubs

Deep dive into specific topics.

flag Getting Started

Everything you need to begin your genealogy journey.

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fingerprint DNA Testing

Understand your results and make the most of your DNA data.

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school Research Methods

Proven strategies for thorough, accurate research.

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public Genealogy Websites

Reviews and guides for the top genealogy platforms.

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laptop_mac Software & Tools

Best software for building and managing your tree.

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diversity_3 Kinship

Understanding family relationships and genetic connections.

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Hi, I'm Marc McDermott

I'm an investigative genetic genealogist and the guy behind Genealogy Explained.

I started this site years ago as a way to document my own genealogy research and share what I was learning along the way. I never expected it would help thousands of people navigate their own family history journeys.

My focus is simple: taking complex family history concepts and making them easy to understand. Whether you're just getting started or hitting a brick wall, you'll find clear explanations here to help you make real progress with your research.

More about me →

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In-depth guides to accelerate your research.

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