DNA testing has transformed the way we explore our family history. With millions of people worldwide taking genealogy DNA tests, it’s now possible to uncover relatives, confirm ancestral lines, and even solve long-standing family mysteries. If you’ve taken a DNA test through AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, 23andMe, or another provider, you’ll receive a list of DNA matches — people who share segments of DNA with you. These matches hold the clues to finding unknown ancestors and filling the gaps in your family tree. What Are DNA Matches? A DNA match means you and another person share segments of DNA inherited from a common ancestor. The testing company estimates your relationship (for example, second cousin or fourth cousin) based on the amount of shared DNA, measured in centimorgans (cM). The closer the relationship, the more DNA you share: Parent/child: about 3,400 cM First cousin: about 850 cM Third cousin: about 75 cM DNA matches are most powerful when used alongside traditional genealogical research — birth records, marriage certificates, census data, and family stories. Case Study: Identifying an Unknown Grandfather Through DNA Matches One recent case I worked on illustrates how DNA evidence and traditional research can work together to solve family mysteries. My client wanted to discover the identity of her maternal grandfather. Her mother had been born illegitimate, and the father’s name was unknown. When we reviewed her DNA results, she had only two close matches, both estimated as half first cousins once removed. This was both encouraging and challenging — encouraging because the relationship was close enough to be useful, but challenging because neither of these matches had a public family tree. One of the matches was adopted and knew little about their biological family. The other had no tree on Ancestry and had sadly passed away. Despite these obstacles, I used traditional family history research to identify a possible connection between the two. By tracing their ancestry through available records, I was able to establish that they shared the same set of grandparents. With this key connection made, the Ancestry Pro Tools became invaluable. Using cluster analysis (grouping related DNA matches) and triangulation methods (comparing shared DNA segments between multiple matches), I was able to identify the most likely candidate for my client’s maternal grandfather. It was a meticulous, time-consuming process — but ultimately a rewarding one, bringing resolution to a question that had remained unanswered for generations. How You Can Use DNA Matches in Your Research If you’re working with DNA results for your own family history, here are some practical steps: Start with what you know – Confirm matches to known relatives first. Use clustering tools – Look for groups of people who all match each other. Triangulate – Check shared segments among three or more matches to verify connections. Combine DNA with documents – Use records, newspapers, and historical archives to support your findings. Reach out to matches – A friendly message can lead to valuable information or collaboration. The Ancestry Pro Tools, such as shared matches, colour clustering, and chromosome mapping, can make this process much more efficient. Ethical Considerations in Genetic Genealogy DNA testing can reveal unexpected discoveries — such as unknown parentage or previously hidden relationships. It’s important to respect privacy, handle sensitive information with care, and only share details with consent. Turning DNA Results into Family Discoveries Your DNA matches aren’t just numbers or charts — they represent real people connected through generations of shared history. By combining genetic genealogy with traditional family research, you can uncover stories, solve mysteries, and connect with relatives you never knew existed. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure how to interpret your DNA matches, professional guidance can make a huge difference. Every DNA test contains potential — you just need the right tools and strategies to unlock it.