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Which Test?

DNA Testing yDNA mtDNA Family Finder Haplogroups Choose Test How to Order FAQ

 

 

Which test should I choose?

Here are the simple rules:

  • A man you are testing with a yDNA test must be directly descended from the (male) ancestor you are interested in researching - with no females between them (yDNA cannot pass through a female ancestor)
  • A person testing with mtDNA must be directly descended from the (female) ancestor you are interested in researching - with no males between the test taker and ancestor being researched (mtDNA cannot pass through a male ancestor)
  • Either males or females can take the autosomal DNA test (Family Finder) to find matches who share DNA segments with them, indicating a common ancestor within the last 5 generations. 

Which yDNA Test?

  • 12 markers:

    • not considered sufficient to confirm a common ancestor, as there are too few markers to compare
    • adequate if you are only interested in your "deep ancestry" (haplotype) or in proving that you don't share a common ancestor with a specific family
  • 25 markers:

    • Only available when ordering through surname projects
    • Adequate if you already know the surname you should match through solid paper trail evidence
  • 37 markers:

    • Considered the best place to start for most researchers
    • Recommended if trying to match without a solid paper trail
    • Many surname projects now require at least 37-marker test to join project
    • 37-marker (or more) test required to order MyGenReport from WorldFamilies.
  • 67 markers and 111 markers:

    • Serious genealogists usually end up with 67 markers, some go on to 111 markers. 
    • Confirms matches
    • Defines lineages in a project more definitively
  • Deep Clade

    • Confirms your haplogroup, which FTDNA estimates for each yDNA test
    • Confirms your ancient ancestry and their prehistoric migrations
    • Ordered in addition to your yDNA test
    • Can be added as an upgrade

 Which mitochondrial (mtDNA) Test?

  • mtDNA (also called HVR1)

    • Provides information on your deep ancestry (thousands and tens of thousands of years ago.)
  • mtDNA Plus (also called HVR1 + HVR2)

    • Provides information on your deep ancestry
    • Can confirm you and another person share a common maternal ancestor
  • mtDNA Full Sequence (includes HVR1, HVR2 and FMS)

    • Provides information on your deep ancestry
    • Can confirm you and another person share a common maternal ancestor
    • Tests all of the mtDNA, highest level of mtDNA testing
    • FMS matches within the past 16 generations

More about DNA Testing

WorldFamilies.net DNA Test FAQ

FTDNA:  Types of Tests FAQ

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