{"id":26,"date":"2019-09-12T20:41:44","date_gmt":"2019-09-12T20:41:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/genealogyexplained.com\/?page_id=26"},"modified":"2024-04-02T19:33:12","modified_gmt":"2024-04-02T19:33:12","slug":"ancestry-dna-test-review","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.genealogyexplained.com\/dna-testing\/ancestry-dna-test-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Ancestry DNA Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Are you thinking about buying a DNA test, but aren’t sure if the AncestryDNA test is right for you? <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You’ve probably seen all the TV commercials about folks discovering their ethnicities and thought it’d be pretty neat to see your own ethnicity report.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This article will help you decide if AncestryDNA is right for you, walk you through the process, show you what to expect, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This review is for AncestryDNA<\/strong>. Looking for a review of the Ancestry.com website? Read this article instead: Ancestry.com Review<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What Does AncestryDNA Tell You?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

So what exactly does AncestryDNA tell you? What do the results look like? <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The two main things that AncestryDNA will provide are:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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  1. Your ethnicity report<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
  2. Your matches report<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    If you decide to purchase the optional ‘Traits’ report (or upgrade later on), you’ll also get a list of personal trait reports that show how your DNA might have affected things like your sensitivity to bitter food or if you have a natural aversion to cilantro. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    More on that later.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Ethnicity Report<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    By far the most common reason for taking a DNA test, the ethnicity report (as its name implies) is what will tell you the percentage of each of your ethnicities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Here is a screenshot of my report to show you what to expect:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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    Map view of my AncestryDNA ethnicity results<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n
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    List view of my AncestryDNA ethnicity results <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

    How do they calculate ethnicity percentages? <\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Like every DNA testing company, Ancestry simply compares your DNA with sets of ‘reference populations’ across the globe. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    They then use their own complex algorithms to calculate all of the percentages.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    And because DNA reference populations are constantly being expanded and refined, your results may change from time to time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    As an example, Ancestry used to group together both Italy and Greece as one reference population. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    They’ve since been able to isolate Italian DNA, thus updating existing ethnicity estimates.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    It’s worth noting here that you do not need to have any paid subscription to get updated results.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Ancestry currently uses 2,600+<\/a> reference populations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Matches Report<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    If you’re looking to build out your family tree, then the Matches Report is a goldmine of information. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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    My top matches. Names and photos of matches blurred for privacy.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

    This is the section where most people interested in their family history will spend all of their time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Your match list will be generated by comparing your DNA to the entire Ancestry customer database (excluding those who opted out of this feature).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Because Ancestry is currently the most popular consumer DNA test kit on the market, it has the largest customer database (currently 22 mil. ). <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    This fact alone is why I recommend Ancestry over other testing companies for genealogical purposes. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Generally speaking, you can expect to be matched with nearly all of fourth cousins and closer. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    I say “nearly” for a reason.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Because of the way DNA is inherited, not all of your fourth cousins will show on your match list. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    But the majority will (roughly 75%) and nearly all of your third cousins will show up. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    And 100% of your 2nd cousins and closer will show on your list.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    You can also expect a small percentage of more distant cousins as well – all the way to your 8th cousins!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    But once you get to the 8th cousin level, less than 1% of them will be detectable through DNA. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    And in most cases, it’s extremely difficult to track down the paper trail to an 8th cousin match anyway.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    For me, I currently have over 300 matches at this level with new matches being added all the time as new people get tested.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    The vast majority of my matches are more distant than the fourth cousin level. I have over 20,000 matches at this level.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    So what do you do with all these matches?<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Many will have their family trees posted online, and if you already know or can identify the common ancestry, then these trees can help you expand your own.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    A lot of your matches won’t have a tree posted, or just not a public one anyway. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    But you can contact these matches through Ancestry’s secure private messaging system.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    I’ve found that response rates can be hit or miss. A lot of the matches you contact will flat out ignore you for various reasons. They’re just not that interested in their family tree which is kind of a shame.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Others will be invaluable resources for your own family history. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    For example, one of my mom’s 2nd cousins who I’ve never met before was kind enough to send me a photograph of my 2x-Great Grandfather.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    I had never seen a photograph of him, and without this DNA match, I may have never seen one. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    So you can see how valuable a match report can be.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    How Accurate is AncestryDNA?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    This is probably the #1 question I get asked about DNA tests – are AncestryDNA results accurate?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    It’s one of those questions that’s so hard to answer, other than to say “it depends”.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Without getting into too much scientific detail, the DNA we inherit from our parents is completely random. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Yes, we get half of our DNA from each parent, but the half is random.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Just because my father is 50% Irish, that doesn’t mean my DNA is exactly 25% Irish. It should be somewhat close, but not exact.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    It’s also important to note here that comparing the accuracy of two testing companies is not always comparing apples to apples.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    The reason for this is that each company defines their reference populations differently. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Some will be much broader (continental level), while others will be more granular (specific countries or regions within a country). <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Keep in mind that the more granular a company tests for, the wider the margin of error will be.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    With all that being said, I found that my ethnicity estimates from AncestryDNA to be very accurate when compared to my own genealogical research.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Ancestry Versus the Competition<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    So how does AncestryDNA stack up to the competition? <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Here are some quick comparisons with other major testing companies. You can read more about other testing companies in my guide to DNA testing<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    23andMe<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Probably the biggest competitor to Ancestry in the US market, 23andMe is a definitely solid choice. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    They have a customer database of 14 mil. compared to Ancestry’s 22 mil.. They currently test for 2,750+<\/a> regions, compared to Ancestry’s 2,600+<\/a> regions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Even though 23andMe’s numbers look good relative to Ancestry, it’s worth noting that a huge percentage of test-takers at 23andMe are only interested in the health reports.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Therefore you won’t get anywhere near the number of matches interested in genealogy which doesn’t really help you build your family tree.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    So if heath reports are what you’re after, go with 23andMe. If genealogy is your goal, go with Ancestry.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    And be sure to check out my complete guide to 23andMe vs Ancestry<\/a> for a more in-depth comparison.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    MyHeritage<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    MyHeritage is the company whose offerings as a whole are the closest match to Ancestry. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    It’s the only other major testing company that allows you to link a family tree to your DNA.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    They have a nice size customer database (6.6 mil.), with a large percentage being international customers (as compared to Ancestry). <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    So if you want to potentially be matched with people in your ancestors’ homelands, MyHeritage might be a better option for you.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    They also have better reference populations for Jewish ancestry.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    FamilyTreeDNA<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) is most often mentioned when talking about more distant ancestry which requires a different type of DNA test (Y-DNA, mtDNA). AncestryDNA is an autosomal test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    While FTDNA also has an autosomal test (called Family Finder<\/a>), most of the reference populations are much broader than other companies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    See our guide to Y-DNA testing<\/a> and our guide to mtDNA testing<\/a>. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    LivingDNA<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    LivingDNA is the newest of the big five testing companies. They are based in the United Kingdom and specialize in granular reporting of British ancestry.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    If you think you have British or Irish DNA, I would still test with Ancestry but also consider uploading your raw DNA to LivingDNA. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    How Does AncestryDNA Work<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Taking the AncestryDNA test is really quite simple. Here are the basic steps involved:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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    1. Buy your test kit from Ancestry.com<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
    2. Create an Ancestry.com account (free). <\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
    3. Once you receive your kit in the mail, the saliva collection tube will have a code on the label. This code is what will link your new online Ancestry account to your DNA sample. Enter that code on the kit activation page: https:\/\/www.ancestry.com\/dna\/activate<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
    4. Spit into the tube (more detailed instructions are provided with the kit)<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
    5. Mail the tube back to Ancestry using the prepaid label.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
    6. Wait 3-5 weeks to process.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
    7. Receive an email from Ancestry with a link to your results which you will view online. Note that Ancestry does not send your results in the mail. You get an email which prompts you to login to your secure Ancestry account where you can view the results. <\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      How Long to Get Results<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      AncestryDNA’s processing time is around 3-5 weeks, depending on the time of year. This is from the time you mail in your kit to when you receive your results.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      Of course, if you mail in your test kit the week after Christmas like everyone else, your wait time will likely be a bit longer. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      AncestryDNA Results Example<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      In this section, I’ll share the results from my own DNA test to give you a better idea of what to expect when you buy your own. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      This sample report will also help you better understand what to do with your AncestryDNA results once you have them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      Ethnicity Report<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      The first thing you’ll see is a world map. The sections highlighted with various colors are the reference populations you match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      On the right side of the page, you’ll see the same reference populations in a list format with the percentage estimates for each.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      For some populations such as Ireland & Scotland, you’ll also see more granular estimate regions called “Communities”.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      You can see in my results for Ireland & Scotland that Ancestry has listed the Ulster and Connacht regions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      You can click on any region in order to read more about your estimate, as well as a brief history of the region’s populations and migrations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      A feature often overlooked here is the ethnicity range estimate. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      If you look closely, you can see that Ancestry actually provides an estimated range for each ethnicity. For my Irish roots, they estimate me to be 38%, with a range of 33-54%.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      I mentioned above that Ancestry (like all testing companies) will refine estimates over time. When they do, you will have the ability to view your previous estimate if you wanted to compare with the most recent.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      You can also view all of the regions Ancestry has tested your DNA with but came back without a match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      DNA Match Report<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      I already talked about the importance of the shared matches report above, so in this section, I’ll show you what your report will look like.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      At the time of writing this article, I have over 22,000 matches. But the majority of those matches are distant (beyond fourth cousins).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      The bulk of your time with the shared match report will be in the ‘Close Matches’ filtered view. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      This list will filter your matches to estimated fourth cousins and closer.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      For me, that number is 334.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

      Remember that these are predicted relationships based on the amount of DNA you share with each match. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      So it’s possible for say a known 3rd cousin to be grouped together with your distant matches if for some reason you share less DNA than the average third cousins. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      This is even more likely to happen when you start talking about third cousins once or twice removed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      Analyzing Your Matches<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      By default, Ancestry will sort your matches in descending order by the most shared DNA (as measured in centimorgans). You can also choose to sort by match date to see the most recent matches first.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      Your results will also be grouped by the estimated relationship (ie parent\/child, full sibling, 1st cousins, 2nd cousins, etc).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      Some of the other cool things you can do with your match list as a whole are:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n