A 1% DNA match typically indicates a relatively distant relationship, estimated to be around seven generations removed, potentially to a x5 great-grandparent.
Understanding DNA Inheritance and Percentages
- Inheritance: You inherit 50% of your DNA from each parent. Your parents, in turn, inherited 50% of their DNA from each of their parents (your grandparents), and so on.
- Dilution: With each generation, the percentage of DNA you share with a specific ancestor decreases approximately by half. This means the further back you go, the smaller the percentage of DNA you'll share with any one individual.
- Recombination: The actual amount of DNA shared can vary due to random DNA recombination during the formation of sperm and egg cells.
What a 1% Match Suggests
A 1% DNA match implies that you share a small segment of DNA with another person because you have a common ancestor. While you inherited DNA from all of your ancestors, the small percentage of DNA shared means the common ancestor is not recent. As stated previously, this is generally estimated to be around seven generations back, or a x5 great-grandparent.
Things to Consider with Small DNA Matches
- Accuracy: Very small DNA matches (like 1%) can sometimes be false positives, especially if the DNA testing company has a large database and lenient matching criteria.
- Genealogy Research: A 1% DNA match is a starting point. Use your family tree and genealogical records to try and identify your common ancestor with the person who shares 1% of your DNA. Look for shared surnames or geographical locations that might provide clues.
- Confirmation: If possible, try to find other relatives who also match both you and the individual who shares 1% of your DNA. This can help confirm that the match is legitimate and narrow down the possible relationships.
