Am I able to download my raw data?

Family Tree DNA does not have a file format for Y-chromosome DNA single nucleotide polymorphism [...]

Do SNPs ever “mutate back?”

Yes. It is possible that a SNP will back mutate (change back). However, SNPs [...]

Are Y-DNA haplogroups the same as mtDNA haplogroups?

No, the names in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups do not correspond with the [...]

How are haplogroups and their subclades named?

Y-Chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) haplogroups and subclades names follow the conventions of the Y-Chromosome Consortium’s (YCC). The [...]

How often does Family Tree DNA update their tree?

Family Tree DNA updates the phylogenetic tree when we have substantial evidence that there [...]

How does Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) haplogroup prediction work?

At Family Tree DNA, a Y-DNA haplogroup prediction is calculated using genetic distance. The [...]

How do I know which SNPs make sense for me to order?

Please order SNPs with the help of an expert if you aren’t sure which [...]

What is the geographic and historic origin of my Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) haplogroup?

The following descriptions provide brief overviews of each haplogroup’s origin and geographic distribution.
Haplogroup [...]

Do I have to order a Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) STR test before I take a SNP test?

Yes. If you do not have a Y-DNA STR test, you will not be [...]

How many generations do the Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) SNP tests trace?

The Y-DNA tree begins with the common paternal ancestor to all men alive today. [...]

Can I skip extensive SNP testing and just test for a downstream Advanced Order SNP? If I am positive, may I assume that I also have all the SNPs above it?

It is possible to order Advanced SNPs in this way. We advise that you [...]

Are Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) SNPs ever related to recent times and genealogy? Are they always for historic periods and more ancient ancestry?

Y-chromosome DNA SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) are not always from anthropological or even historic [...]

I believe that I have found an error in the Family Tree DNA Y-DNA Haplotree. Who should I contact?

If you have found a problem with our Y-DNA Haplotree, please use our contact [...]

When comparing genetic distance between people, which is more important to look at SNPs or STRs?

SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) offer a definitive answer to a potential relationship. When one [...]

What are the differences between SNPs and STRs?

A SNP is a single nucleotide polymorphisms. That means that it is a single [...]

I also tested at another company. They placed me in a different haplogroup. How can this be?

The reason for conflicting results depends on the test performed by the other company.

They [...]

What is the difference between a Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) SNP test and Family Tree DNA’s Y-DNA STR tests?

The Y-DNA SNP testing provides information on the deeper ancestry for a Y-chromosome DNA [...]

Is a Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) SNP test medical?

No.  Y-DNA SNP testing is not designed to give medical information.

I have limited DNA testing funds. What’s my best strategy? Should I upgrade to more markers or do SNP testing?

The answer to this depends on your personal interest. If you are interested in [...]

I have already taken a Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) STR test. Why do I need to take a SNP test? What more can it show me?

Ordering a Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) SNP test will tell you more about your deeper [...]