Post by lorac on Nov 28, 2020 20:12:15 GMT
Centimorgans measure genetic distance, not physical distance. It is a unit of measurement to describe the length of a shared DNA segment.
A DNA segment is shared genetic material between 2 individuals reported in centimorgans (cMs). If you know the total amount of DNA that you share with someone and the length of the segments, you might be able to narrow down the relationship possibilities. We have approximately 6800 centimorgans from both our parents, if you have a match that shows 3400 cMs then it is the either a parent, child, or identical twin to you.
Of course, family tree genealogy collections may give you the results already in cMs and possible matches ie 3rd cousins, but it is interesting to know how they were obtained. This information and more can be found using the link below, it explains easily and clearly about DNA segments and how to estimate relationships with your DNA match using centimorgans.
whoareyoumadeof.com/blog/beginners-guide-shared-centimorgans/
