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DNA Match Tracking Sheet

Organize a DNA match, shared-match cluster, ancestral clues, and your next research step without turning a predicted relationship into a conclusion.

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Keep your DNA research focused.

Use this sheet to record one match, compare the strongest shared-match clues, and write down the hypothesis you are actually testing.

A DNA match tracking sheet is a research worksheet for recording one genetic genealogy match, the shared DNA amount, shared-match patterns, ancestral clues, working hypotheses, and the documentary evidence still needed to test the relationship.

Use aliases or initials for living matches unless they have agreed to be named. Do not record contact details or other unnecessary personal information.

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DNA Match Tracking Sheet

Organize one DNA match, its shared-match context, and the research question it may help you test.

Use an alias, initials, or a consented name for living people. Do not record private contact details.

1. Match snapshot

Match reference / alias

Testing company

Kit / test

Date reviewed

Total shared cM

Segments

Predicted relationship

Known relationship

2. Research question

What question could this match help answer?Keep the question specific — for example, identifying a parent, testing an ancestral line, or separating two candidate families.

3. Shared-match cluster

Match / alias	Shared cM	Possible line / family	Key place or surname
Shared match 1 alias	Shared match 1 shared cM	Shared match 1 possible line or family	Shared match 1 key place or surname
Shared match 2 alias	Shared match 2 shared cM	Shared match 2 possible line or family	Shared match 2 key place or surname
Shared match 3 alias	Shared match 3 shared cM	Shared match 3 possible line or family	Shared match 3 key place or surname
Shared match 4 alias	Shared match 4 shared cM	Shared match 4 possible line or family	Shared match 4 key place or surname

Cluster pattern / observationWhat repeats across the group — surname, location, ancestral couple, migration route, or family branch?

4. Ancestral clues

Shared surnames

Shared places

Possible common ancestor / couple

Relevant time period

5. Working hypothesis

State the relationship or ancestral connection you are currently testing. A hypothesis is not proof.

Working hypothesis

Evidence supporting this hypothesis

Evidence that conflicts or is still missing

6. Documentary checks

7. Next research action

Next record / source to check

Next person / family to investigate

Follow-up date

8. Conclusion status

Current conclusion statusOpenPossible connectionSupported by combined evidence

DNA matches are research evidence, not automatic proof of a specific relationship. Compare shared DNA with documented trees, shared-match patterns, locations, timelines, and other relevant records.

Use with care

Working theory, not relationship proof.

Shared DNA can guide a research question, but documentary evidence, shared-match context, and privacy-aware review remain necessary.

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Research plan builder demonstration

Turn a research scope you already know into a simple, reviewable plan entirely in your browser.

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DNA Match Tracking Sheet

Keep your DNA research focused.

DNA Match Tracking Sheet

1. Match snapshot

2. Research question

3. Shared-match cluster

4. Ancestral clues

5. Working hypothesis

6. Documentary checks

7. Next research action

8. Conclusion status

Working theory, not relationship proof.

Research plan builder demonstration

Navigation

DNA Match Tracking Sheet

Keep your DNA research focused.

DNA Match Tracking Sheet

1. Match snapshot

2. Research question

3. Shared-match cluster

4. Ancestral clues

5. Working hypothesis

6. Documentary checks

7. Next research action

8. Conclusion status

Working theory, not relationship proof.

Research plan builder demonstration