Shared matches can help you figure out how you’re related to a DNA match by narrowing down which family line(s) you and your DNA match share. Here are a few strategies you can use to explore these connections.

Find matches related to you through a specific family line

If your close family members have taken AncestryDNA tests, their results can help you figure out how you're related to your matches. For example, if you and your mom's cousin share the same DNA match, it could mean you’re related to that match through your mother’s line. 

This strategy is particularly useful when a DNA match doesn’t have a family tree or their tree is private. By looking at shared matches, you may be able to figure out which side of your family the match is connected to and where to focus your research.

The key is knowing which family members can help you narrow down your matches to the family line(s) you're interested in. 

1. Use this table to identify which close family members to check:
   
   

   Look at this DNA Match	To focus on this family line
   Mom, dad, aunt, uncle, 1st cousin	Maternal or paternal line (½ of your tree)
   Maternal grandparent or 2nd cousin	Maternal grandparent’s line (¼ of your tree)
   Paternal grandparent or 2nd cousin	Paternal grandparent’s line (¼ of your tree)
   Maternal great-grandparent or 3rd cousin	Maternal great-grandparent’s line (⅛ of your tree)
   Paternal great-grandparent or 3rd cousin	Paternal great-grandparent’s line (⅛ of your tree)

    

2. From your list of matches, click on the name or username of a match.
3. On the match compare page, select the Shared Matches tab.
4. Use the filter, sort, and search features to explore close family members in your shared matches list and potentially narrow down your line of research for this match. 

Determine if you, your match, and your shared match are related to a shared ancestor

Another way to use shared matches is to combine your shared matches and common ancestors to figure out how you’re related to a DNA match.

1. From your list of matches, click on the name or username.
2. On the match compare page, click the Shared Matches tab.
3. Above your list of shared match list, click Filter shared matches.
4. In the opened panel, select Common ancestors and click Apply filters, to see the matches who share ancestors with you. 
5. Click on the name or username of a match to see which common ancestor(s) you all share. This can give you a clue about how you might be related.
6. Look through your matches to see if any shared ancestors or family lines appear more common.

Once you’ve found the family line(s) you and a match have in common, look for more evidence to confirm the relationship connections. 

Document your findings

As you learn about your DNA matches, take notes to record your findings and group them to discover more.

Grouping isn’t just about organization; it’s a powerful tool that can uncover inheritance patterns, reveal how matches are related, and provide deeper insights into your family’s history. This is especially useful for adoptees and those with unknown parents, as it can highlight possible relationships between matches.

You can create groups for anything, but many people find groups like these to be helpful:

• Surnames
• Family lines
• Common ancestors
• Research follow-up

A match can belong to multiple groups. This flexibility allows you to group your matches in multiple ways, making it easier to analyze and understand your family's history.