Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Kin & Ledger and the conventions behind its genealogy calculators.
Is Kin & Ledger free?
Yes. Every calculator and guide is free, with no account or download. The site is supported by advertising.
Do you store my family information or DNA results?
No. Everything you enter is processed in your browser and never sent to our servers. We never ask for DNA files or family trees. See the Privacy Policy.
What is the difference between a second cousin and a first cousin once removed?
Second cousins share great-grandparents and are in the same generation. A first cousin once removed is your first cousin's child or your parent's first cousin, one generation apart from you.
Can a cM figure tell me exactly how we are related?
Rarely. Several relationships expect the same amount of DNA, and real figures vary widely. Combine it with ages, shared matches and records.
Why does the calculator's expected cM differ from my testing company's chart?
We show theoretical averages from inheritance. Surveys of testers report slightly higher averages for distant cousins, because very small matches are not counted.
What is Soundex used for?
Finding names spelled differently in indexes, especially the US federal census indexes from 1880 to 1930. Names that sound alike get the same code.
Why does Soundex give different codes for Cohen and Kohn?
The first letter is kept as written, so names with different initials are always filed apart. Search under each initial.
Who is number 1 in an Ahnentafel chart?
The person the chart starts from. Their father is 2, their mother 3, and every father is twice his child's number.
Do I add 10 or 11 days to convert an old English date?
It depends on the date: 10 days before 1 March 1700 Old Style and 11 days from then until the change in September 1752. The converter applies the right difference.
What does a date like 1714/15 mean?
A double date for 1 January to 24 March before 1752, when the English legal year began on 25 March. It is 1714 by the old reckoning and 1715 by the modern one.
How long is a generation?
About 30 years on average, shorter on female lines and longer on male lines. Use documented birth years whenever you have them.
Can I use these results in a court case or an inheritance claim?
No. Legal matters need accredited DNA testing, certified records and professional advice.
What is a half relationship?
One that runs through only one shared ancestor rather than a couple, such as cousins whose parents are half-siblings. The name gains "half" and the expected DNA halves.
Do the calculators work for X-chromosome or Y-DNA matches?
No. The shared cM calculator covers autosomal DNA, which is what most consumer tests report as shared centimorgans. X and Y inheritance follow different paths.