1. What is the GEDmatch DNA Calculation?

The GEDmatch DNA calculation estimates the probability of a genetic relationship based on shared centimorgans (cM) and total DNA. It provides a quantitative measure of genetic relatedness between individuals.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the GEDmatch DNA equation:

Where:

• \( P \) — Probability (dimensionless)
• \( CM \) — Shared centimorgans (dimensionless)
• \( T \) — Total DNA (dimensionless)

Explanation: The equation calculates the proportion of shared DNA relative to the total DNA being compared.

3. Importance of DNA Probability Calculation

Details: This calculation is crucial for genetic genealogy, helping determine potential relationships between individuals and verifying family connections.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter shared centimorgans (from DNA test results) and total DNA value. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are centimorgans (cM)?
A: Centimorgans are units of genetic linkage that represent the distance between chromosome positions.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation provides a basic probability estimate but should be interpreted alongside other genealogical evidence.

Q3: What is a typical range for shared cM?
A: Parent-child relationships typically share about 3,400 cM, while distant cousins might share only 10-20 cM.

Q4: Can this determine exact relationships?
A: No, it only provides probability estimates. The same cM value could represent different relationship types.

Q5: Should I use this for medical purposes?
A: No, this calculator is for genealogical purposes only, not medical diagnosis.