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Relationship Chart

Once removed... twice removed... What does that mean?
"Removed" indicates that the two people being compared are not of the same number of generations from their common ancestor. So, my first cousins' son is my first cousin once removed. My first cousin and I are of the same generation from our common grandparents but her son is removed by one generation. Technically, he could also be called my second cousin... but, it wouldn't be a totally accurate description.

Note: This chart uses male terminology to be concise, not to discriminate against women.

Using this Chart

1. Locate the position for the first person (you, for example) in the column at the left from the common ancestor.
2. Locate the position for the second person in the column across the top, designating her or her descent from the common ancestor.
3. Find the box where the column and row intersect. This indicates how the two people are related.

For example, to compare yourself with your grandfather's sister you would first find your place on the chart. Since your great-grandparents are the common ancestor your position along the left is number 3 which reads great-grandson. Next, find your grandfather's sister on the chart. Let's call her Ethel; since I have one called Ethel. She is your great-grandparents daughter so she would be placed in position 1 along the top of the chart. Now find where 3 and 1 intersect... grand-nephew!

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