DNA triangulation – step up your DNA research success with MyHeritage

First – what does ‘triangulation’ mean?

Triangulation in DNA terms means when you and at least two other matches all share DNA in the same place on a chromosome. For example, you and match A have a segment of DNA on chromosome 7. You and match B also have a segment of DNA in the same place on chromosome 7. But remember you have two chromosome 7s – one from your father, one from your mother. You need to see whether match A and match B match each other in the same place on chromosome 7 as they matched you. If they do then that is triangulation.

Try this MyHeritage tool!

MyHeritage DNA includes a tool for triangulation which is easy to use. You are able to add matches to the tool and see if there are any areas of triangulation.

DNA advisor Karen Evans writes:

‘In the image shown we know that match A and match B are both related to me via Ernest Meadows and Emma Beavans. But I don’t know who match C is yet but he must be related via the Meadows or Beavans line so this is where I can concentrate my search.’

MyHeritage have included a helpful guide for you to learn more about triangulated DNA segments:

https://faq.myheritage.com/en/article/how-can-i-find-triangulated-dna-segments

TIP! Remember, however, that two matches can be from the same common ancestor and not share any DNA – ‘the joys of randomness’, says Karen.

Keen to take a MyHeritage DNA test? Click here to find out more