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23andMe Customer Care > Tools > DNA Relatives

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Average Percent DNA Shared Between

Relatives

The following table summarizes both the average percent DNA shared for different types of
relationships, and the expected range of percent DNA shared. Notice that many relationships
share the same average percent DNA, or their ranges overlap. If you and a relative were to share
17% of your DNA, for example, there would be some probability that the relative is your aunt, your
niece, your grandmother, your grandchild, your half sister, or even your first cousin.

The relationship 23andMe presents is the most likely relationship, based on not only the amount
of DNA, but also the pattern of DNA segments, your self-reported ages, and your relationships to
other relatives you both have in common. But there is great diversity in the amount of DNA
shared between any two individuals with a particular relationship.

To view your amount of shared DNA and compare it to this table, go to a relative's profile page
and select "View DNA details" in the section titled "Your genetic relationship." To see the
 g p
additional possible relationships for an individual in your Family Tree, click on the relative in your
tree and select "See other possible relationships."

Relationship Average % DNA Shared Range

Identical Twin 100% N/A

50% (but 47.5% for father-son

Parent / Child N/A  
relationships)

Full Sibling 50% 38% - 61%

Grandparent / Grandchild
Aunt / Uncle
25% 17% - 34%
Niece / Nephew
Half Sibling

1st Cousin
Great-grandparent
Great-grandchild 12.5% 4% - 23%
Great-Uncle / Aunt
Great Nephew / Niece

1st Cousin once removed

6.25% 2% - 11.5%
Half first cousin

2nd Cousin 3.13% 2% - 6%

2nd Cousin once removed

1.5% 0.6% - 2.5%
Half second cousin

3rd Cousin 0.78% 0% - 2.2%

4th Cousin 0.20% 0% - 0.8%

5th Cousin to Distant

0.05% Variable
Cousin

To learn more, visit the International Society of Genetic Genealogy website.