If you’ve taken a DNA test with Ancestry, you probably looked at your match list and wondered how you’re going to figure out who all these people are. You’re not alone.
DNA matches can be powerful tools, but they can also be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to build your family tree or break down a brick wall.
Now, Ancestry has introduced a new feature called Matches by Cluster. It’s part of their Pro Tools subscription, and it’s designed to help you see your DNA matches in a whole new way. I talk about the Pro Tools subscription in my blog post, “How To Use Ancestry’s DNA Enhanced Shared Matches Tool.”
Let’s walk through what it is, how it works, and how it can help move your research forward, even if you’re just getting started with genetic genealogy.
What Is the Matches by Cluster Tool?
Matches by Cluster is Ancestry’s version of an auto-clustering tool. It takes your DNA matches and groups them into clusters based on the genetic relationships between matches. This is a new tool for Ancestry, but MyHeritage has had auto-clustering for several years.
In other words, it shows you which matches are likely related to each other, and you, through the same ancestor or ancestral line.
This tool eliminates the guesswork of manually organizing your DNA matches. Instead of scrolling through a long list, you can now see patterns more clearly.
Why It Matters
Let’s say you’re looking at 600 DNA matches.
You know some of them are from your dad’s side. Some are from your mom’s. And others you’re not so sure about.
The Matches by Cluster tool groups them together so you can start to see family branches.
- One cluster might connect to your maternal grandmother’s family.
- Another might be tied to your paternal grandfather’s line.
- A third could lead to a mystery ancestor or a new discovery.
By focusing on groups instead of one match at a time, you can save time and find more clues about how everyone fits together.
How to Find the Tool on Ancestry
To use Matches by Cluster, you’ll need to subscribe to Pro Tools on Ancestry. Currently, the cost is $10/month. But Ancestry has sales throughout the year, so look for those, especially around Black Friday.
Here’s how to get started:
- Log into your Ancestry account.
- Click on DNA in the top menu.
- Choose Ancestry DNA from the dropdown.
- Click on Matches.
- Select by Cluster with the green “Pro” next to it.
If you don’t see it yet, don’t worry. Ancestry is rolling it out gradually. You should receive an email when it’s available to you.
What You’ll See
When you first open the Matches by Cluster tool, your cluster will need to be generated. You may wait 30 minutes or so for that to happen. After it does its magic, you’ll see a chart that looks like a grid or a matrix. Each colored square represents a person who shares DNA with you and with other people in the same group.
The names of your matches are in the same order across the top as they are down the side. The colored boxes mean that the two DNA matches match each other. The white boxes mean they don’t. The darker squares that form a diagonal are where your DNA matches “match” themselves.
The gray boxes mean that the match is in two groups. In my example above, LS is a match that belongs in both the orange and pink groups. Travel horizontally and vertically from the gray square to see what groups that match belongs to.
You’ll also get a list view of each cluster. You can click into them, look at the matches in that group, and see shared matches, family trees, and any notes you’ve added.
Who Shows Up in Your Clusters?
The first release of this tool focuses on matches who share about 65–1300 centimorgans (cM) with you. That means you’ll see mostly 2nd to 4th cousins or some 5th cousins if the shared DNA is high enough.
These matches are often easier to place in your family tree, which makes the clusters more useful right away. Ancestry has said future updates may include smaller matches too.
How Beginners Can Use It
If you’re just starting out, don’t feel intimidated. Here’s how you can use this tool in simple steps:
1. Pick One Cluster to Focus On
Don’t try to tackle all your clusters at once. Start with one that has several people in it and click into their profiles. See if you recognize any surnames or family locations.
2. Check Their Trees
Look at the family trees of people in that cluster. Is there a surname or ancestor name that shows up more than once? That’s often your clue to the common ancestor.
3. Add Notes
Keep track of what you find. Ancestry lets you add notes directly on each match. You can write things like, “Matches Smith line from Ohio” or “Possible 3rd cousin through great-grandmother’s family.”
Once I figure out a match, I write their line of descent from our common ancestor in the notes section. I also include an emoji in front to know at a glance what part of my family tree they are from. I use Emojipedia.
How Intermediate Researchers Can Benefit
If you’ve been working with DNA for a while, this tool can help you:
- Spot new connections you may have missed
- Verify your hypotheses about how matches are related
- Prioritize matches for contacting or tree building
- Visualize endogamy or pedigree collapse in certain regions
It’s also great for tracking your research. You can create monthly or quarterly clusters to monitor new matches and progress over time.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of It
Here are a few ways to make this tool work harder for you:
- Use it alongside your match notes. When you find something new, go back and add it to your match list.
- Combine with traditional research. The clusters point you in the right direction, but census records, obituaries, and other sources still confirm the relationships.
- Build mirror trees. If a cluster looks promising but confusing, build out a tree using one of the match’s ancestors and see where it overlaps with yours.
One Word of Caution
Just remember: shared DNA doesn’t always mean shared recent ancestry. Some matches in a cluster may be related in different ways, or much farther back than you think.
Always double-check your research before jumping to conclusions. DNA is only one piece of the puzzle.
Finally
Ancestry’s Matches by Cluster tool is a welcome addition to our DNA toolbox, especially for those who like visual tools.
It takes the intimidation of a long DNA match list and gives it structure. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to solve a tough mystery in your tree, this tool can help you find your next clue.
If you have Pro Tools, take a few minutes to explore it. You might be surprised at what you uncover.
And if you’re still waiting for access, don’t worry, it’s on the way. In the meantime, continue to organize your matches, build your tree, and learn as much as you can. Each step brings you closer to understanding your family story.
Genealogy tip: Once you’ve determined how a match is related to you and added them to your tree, add a tag to their Ancestry profile. Pre-made DNA MyTreeTags are available, such as “Common DNA Ancestor” and “DNA Match,” or you can customize and create your own.
If you want to discover your ancestors and share their stories, but aren’t sure where to start, click below for a complimentary 30-minute consultation. We can find a way forward together.
