I have made some improvements to the Leeds Method that make it faster and easier to use. If you are new to this method, you can read the original steps on my Color Clustering post. These steps are still correct, I have just added a few more! Improvement #1: List all DNA matches through 3rd cousins. Instead of just listing the 2nd and 3rd cousins (below 400 cM), we can list all of the DNA matches through 3rd cousins. In other words, list the immediate family, close family, 1st cousins, and higher 2nd cousins. This makes it easier to work with...
The Leeds Method uses a spreadsheet to sort your DNA matches into groups based on how the matches are related to you. The spreadsheet is called a Color Cluster Chart as seen below: However, not everyone is comfortable using spreadsheets. And, some people would just prefer to use paper and pencil – or a worksheet and colored pencils. Fiona Brooker at the Memories in Time website recently created a worksheet for the Leeds Method. Leeds Method Worksheet Below is an example of a worksheet that has been filled out with the same information as the original example shared above. This chart...
A reader just asked me if, as an adoptee, she shouldn’t also be using those closer matches. And, yes, she should! And, you should, too! But, I’ve never written about how to include them in the Leeds Method. Adding Closer Matches to the Color Cluster Chart Round 1: Create a “regular” Color Cluster chart. You can add the 1st cousins and higher 2nd cousins at the top of your chart, but do NOT include them as part of your original sort. In other words, they do NOT get a color during this first round. (Note that I wrote them in...
If you’ve been wanting to see me explain the Leeds Method in a video – step by step – now is your chance! My presentation from the International Genetic Genealogy conference in December is now available for only $10 at www.i4GG.org! You can also buy the entire set of conference videos for $99. Let me know if you get a copy!
Our DNA Color Cluster charts can be more powerful when they are organized. Here are seven organization tips. If you have any other suggestions, please let me know! 1. Sequence Numbers When you first enter your list of 2nd & 3rd cousins using the Leeds Method, add a column for “sequence number” so you can always “unsort” your chart and get your matches back in their original order when needed. 2. Black vs Red Font (Known vs Unknown) Name in BLACK font? These are the people whose relationship is known. Name in RED font? These are the people with an...
What Is Overlap? Overlap is when a DNA relative is sorted into more than one Color Cluster. In the example below, Daisy sorts into both the Blue and Orange Clusters. OVERLAPDaisy is showing overlap by being in both the Blue and Orange Clusters. Three types of overlap have been noticed: extreme overlap, isolated overlap, and heavy overlap. What Is Extreme Overlap? Extreme Overlap is where a lot of overlap occurs, often over many columns of color. Extreme overlap likely represents endogamy or pedigree collapse where ancestors are closely related. Unfortunately, at this time there is no known method for “separating”...
When I first developed DNA Color Clustering, I thought Ancestry.com’s “4th cousin” matches would not share enough DNA to be helpful. I was afraid the resulting chart would be too messy. I was wrong! The key? Create the clusters based on 2nd and 3rd cousins (who share between 90 and 400 cM), and then add high “4th cousins” into these already created clusters. Step 1: Create a DNA Color Cluster chart using the Leeds Method. REMINDER: Use AncestryDNA’s 2nd & 3rd cousins matches who share less than 400 cM with the test taker to create a color cluster chart using Excel....
After creating DNA Color Clusters using the Leeds Method, the next step is to identify the surnames associated with these groups. Traditional Genealogists If you are a genealogist who already knows the relationships of all or most of these “second” and “third” cousins, the process is fairly simple. Personally, I label the columns according to the surnames of the 8 great grandparents. Adoptees & other Unknown Parentages However, if you are an adoptee, working with an adoptee, new to genealogy, or for whatever reason cannot label your color clusters with the appropriate surnames, then this method will hopefully reveal surnames...
Unsure of how other people were sorting their Shared Matches from AncestryDNA, I developed my own method: the Leeds Method of DNA Color Clustering. This simple and quick method helps you easily visualize how your close cousins are related to you and each other. I created this method while working with an adoptee, and it works wonderfully for unknown parentage cases where the cousins are strangers and their true relationships are unknown. It also works wonderfully with traditional genealogy. In fact, it is being used to break down some more recent brick walls! DNA Color Clustering: The Method Step 1:...
For another look at how Color Clustering works with 4th cousins, I created a Color Cluster chart then added the test taker’s top twenty-five 4th cousin matches. I was able to easily sort all but one of these 4th cousins into Color Clusters! Original Color Cluster Chart (click here for Color Cluster Method) Color Cluster chart for actual test taker. Names changed for privacy. This test taker’s AncestryDNA 2nd & 3rd cousins fell into 4 Color Clusters, labeled C1 through C4, with three “unclustered” cousins. 2nd & 3rd cousins who are in more than one cluster are in red: Barbie, Ken,...
