Clustering is a powerful tool which allows you to unlock your DNA match list, here’s why (& how) to do it, explains Karen Evans.
TASK OF THE MONTH
I'm trying to get four main clusters for ‘Pam’ (one for each pair of great-grandparents, though it probably won’t be quite that neat).
The reason why clustering is such a useful and popular task when working with your DNA test results is that it helps you sort your match list into groups. Having done that you can start to work out the common ancestors you share with that group.
I start clustering matches at about the 2nd cousin mark because higher matches are probably related to you via more than one line. I’m using Ancestry in this example, but clustering will work with other test companies. Pam’s father has tested so matches are marked as maternal and paternal. Let's get started: here's how to cluster your DNA matches!
STEP 1
I click on the highest match Iris
STEP 2
Iris’s tree shows a link to Pam’s tree on her known Meadows/Davis line so I click on the ‘add to group’ and create a group. With Ancestry and MyHeritage I am able to label the group and assign it a colour.
STEP 3
Now I know Iris is in the Green dot Meadows/Davis family group I can look to add others. I click on the ‘shared matches’ tab. This will bring up all the matches on Pam�
