Explore Your DNA Story
Take a deeper dive into your ancestry to discover more and receive additional discounts when you bundle tests together.
mtFull Sequence
mtFull Sequence +
Stone + Metal Age Origins
(10,000-100,000 years ago)
Stone + Metal Age Origins
(10,000-100,000 years ago)
Stone + Metal Age Origins
(10,000-100,000 years ago)
Stone Age Origins
(100,000 years ago)
Have questions? We have answers.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about FamilyTreeDNA. If you have additional questions, feel free to visit our Help Center or reach out to our Customer Service team.
Do I need to order a new kit for add-ons and upgrades?
If you have already purchased a DNA kit and submitted a sample, there is no need to order a new kit—we will use your existing DNA sample that is stored in our lab for any additional test(s) that you order. In the rare instance that there is no further DNA available for testing on your existing samples, we will send an additional collection kit, associated with your original kit, to you at no charge.
Which Y-DNA test should I purchase?
If you are looking to begin Y-DNA testing, the Y-37 Marker test allows you to become familiar with Y-DNA results. The Y-111 test is the most beneficial for joining our free Group Projects or for those looking to confirm Y-chromosome matching at our highest level between two living men. The difference between the Y-37 and Y-111 tests is that we analyze more markers (STRs) with the Y-111 test, which allows for more refined results including matches. The Big Y-700 is for expert users, it provides over 200K SNPs and additional STRs; however, these markers do not provide more refined matching.
What is Autosomal DNA?
Our signature Family Finder™ test focuses on autosomal DNA, which is inherited from both parents, four grandparents, eight great-grandparents, etc. This test is designed to find matches in our massive DNA database on all of your ancestral lines within the last five generations.
Why isn’t the cart allowing me to purchase Family Finder™?
If you are trying to purchase Family Finder and you receive an Error Message in your cart, it could be the following:
Family Finder cannot be added to your account if you already ordered an Autosomal DNA Transfer, and/or transferred Raw Data from another testing company.
If attempting to order Family Finder for someone else but are signed in to your kit (account), you will need to “add or gift another kit” and add Family Finder to that new kit.
What is mtDNA?
mtDNA refers to mitochondrial DNA which is passed from mother to child. While men receive mitochondrial DNA from their mother, they do not pass it on to their children. Testing mtDNA allows for investigation into your maternal line and can help identify living relatives whose mtDNA is similar to yours, as well as ancient migration routes your maternal ancestors may have taken.
What is Y-DNA?
Y-DNA is what we call the sex chromosome “Y” that is passed from a father to his sons only, women do not receive a Y chromosome. Testing the Y chromosome allows for investigation into a male’s paternal family line and can help identify surname lines, living relatives whose Y chromosome is similar to yours, and ancient migration routes your paternal ancestors may have taken.
What is a Marker or STR?
A marker is what we test in our basic Y-DNA tests. These markers are also referred to as STRs (Short Tandem Repeats) which are a series of repeating nucleotides (A, T, G, C). For example: GACTACTACTACTGG – the STR consists of the three repeated CTA segments. Y-DNA tests look for matching markers or “STRs” between two men, if they match, which would indicate a genetic relationship.