How to Calculate Family Tree Relationships

Family trees make it possible to determine familial relationships.

Figuring out the relationships between different members of the family is sometimes challenging. There are several individuals who might be termed a "cousin" while they are not directly related, but rather fall under the category of third or fourth cousins. These complications can require some calculation via the family tree to find out the relationship.

Instructions

1. Trace the family tree back to a common ancestor. The only way to calculate the actual relationship is finding out where the two individuals have common ancestors and relationships within the family.

2. Draw up a kinship chart. A kinship chart is a method of determining the relationship via the common ancestor and the family relationship from that common individual that branches to the next relationship. It starts with the common ancestor and charts one individual's family tree at the top going across and the other individual going down. Both would start as a child to the common ancestor and then move out to grandchildren to various generations until reaching the two individuals whose familial relationship is confusing.

3. Trace the chart until the two individuals cross. This will determine the family relationship according to a family tree.

References

• My Relative: Free Genealogy Tools
• Search for Ancestors: Cousin Calculator
• My Relative: Kinship Chart

Resources

• My Relative: Kinship Chart