Calculating-relationships | My Family Ancestry

Cousins And How They Relate To You

Understanding Family Relationships: How to Figure Out How You’re Related to Your Ancestors

When building your family tree or researching your ancestry, one of the most confusing challenges is figuring out how each ancestor or relative is related to you. Whether it’s a “third cousin once removed” or a “second cousin twice removed,” these terms can get tricky fast.

Fortunately, tools like the Ancestry.com Relationship Calculator make this much easier. Simply click on the relationship link located under a person’s name on their profile page, and the tool will instantly generate a mini family tree showing how you’re connected.

However, even with this feature, you might still wonder: What exactly does “third cousin three times removed” mean?

et’s break it down step by step.

Basic Cousin Relationships Explained

First Cousin
You and your first cousins share the same grandparents. For example, your mother’s sister’s children are your first cousins.

Second Cousin
You and your second cousins share the same great-grandparents, but not the same grandparents.

Third Cousin
You and your third cousins share the same great-great-grandparents.

What Does “Removed” Mean in Family Relationships?

The term “removed” describes the difference in generations between two relatives.

Once Removed
If there’s a one-generation difference, the relationship is “once removed.”
For example, your parent’s first cousin is your first cousin once removed—you’re one generation apart.

Twice Removed
If there’s a two-generation difference, the relationship is “twice removed.”
For example, your grandparent’s first cousin is your first cousin twice removed.

What Is a Third Cousin Three Times Removed?

A third cousin three times removed is someone who shares your great-great-grandparents, but you are separated by three generations. In other words, they may be from your great-grandparent’s generation or your great-great-great-grandchild’s generation, depending on the direction.

Tips for Tracing Cousin Relationships in Your Family Tree

While relationship calculators can do the math for you, understanding these basic cousin terms helps you interpret DNA matches and identify common ancestors more easily.
When you encounter a DNA match labeled as a “2nd cousin once removed,” for example, you’ll have a better sense of where to look in your family tree for that shared ancestor.

For deeper insights, try using tools like:

Ancestry.com Relationship Calculator
FamilySearch.org’s Relative Finder
MyHeritage DNA Tools