1. What is the Ancestry Percentage Equation?

The Ancestry Percentage Equation calculates the percentage of genetic matches relative to total possible matches. It helps estimate the proportion of shared ancestry between individuals or populations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Ancestry Percentage equation:

Where:

• \( P \) — Percentage of ancestry (%)
• \( M \) — Number of matches (dimensionless)
• \( T \) — Total possible matches (dimensionless)

Explanation: The equation calculates what percentage of the total possible genetic markers are shared between two individuals or populations.

3. Importance of Ancestry Calculation

Details: Calculating ancestry percentages helps in understanding genetic relationships, estimating shared heritage, and studying population genetics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of matching genetic markers and the total number of markers being compared. Matches cannot exceed total.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do the matches represent?
A: Matches typically represent shared genetic markers (SNPs) between two individuals or between an individual and a reference population.

Q2: What are typical percentage ranges?
A: Parent-child relationships show ~50%, siblings ~25-50%, cousins ~12.5%, and more distant relatives progressively less.

Q3: How accurate is this calculation?
A: Accuracy depends on the quality and quantity of genetic markers analyzed. More markers provide more precise estimates.

Q4: Can this determine exact relationships?
A: While it can suggest relationships, additional analysis is needed to confirm exact familial connections.

Q5: What if I get 0% or 100%?
A: 0% suggests no shared markers in the tested set, while 100% suggests identical matches (identical twins or same individual).