Family Finder has transitioned to a next-generation sequencing panel. All samples that begin processing on or after March 2, 2026, will be tested using this new panel. Your existing results will remain valid, and matching and ethnicity will continue to work just as they do today. New testers do not need to wait. Existing testers will have the option to upgrade later at a discounted price. No action is needed right now.
What’s changing?
FamilyTreeDNA’s Family Finder test currently uses a custom Global Screening Array (GSA) microarray chip that reports about 700,000 SNPs across the human genome.
Starting March 2, 2026, the Family Finder test will be performed using next-generation sequencing using a custom targeted enrichment panel. This new approach consistently reports a higher percentage of the genetic information most relevant to genealogy, with improved accuracy and consistency.
This change allows us to deliver more precise autosomal results today while creating a strong foundation for future reports and tools.
What does the new Family Finder test do?
Targeted next-generation sequencing aims to read selected portions of the human genome at high coverage rather than the complete human genome.
The new panel will focus coverage on about 280 million base pairs of the human genome, which will include the approximately 700,000 SNPs previously reported from the GSA microarray chip.
What will the new Family Finder test cost?
The price of the Family Finder test will remain the same.
If I buy a Family Finder test now, will it be processed with the new panel or the current one?
Samples received before March 2, 2026 will be run using the current microarray genotyping. All new Family Finder tests received after that date will be processed using the new sequencing panel.
Will I see a difference in my results from the new test?
Not initially.
Our first priority is to ensure that customers receive the same trusted experience they expect today, including matching and ethnicity results. Once we have built a strong foundation of data from the new panel, we will begin introducing new reports and tools over time.
I already took a Family Finder test. Will my existing test automatically be reprocessed on the new panel?
No.
Existing Family Finder results will remain exactly as they are and will continue to work as expected.
Will there be an upgrade option for existing Family Finder customers?
Yes. Once we begin using results from the new panel for new features, we plan to offer existing Family Finder customers an optional upgrade to the new panel at a discounted price.
We will share clear details about timing, eligibility, and pricing before this upgrade becomes available.
Will I be able to download my data, and will the format change?
Yes. You will still be able to download your data.
The same autosomal data downloads available today will be available immediately for tests processed on the new panel. For compatibility, autosomal downloads will continue to be provided in hg37 format.
Additional data formats may become available later in 2026.
Does the new Family Finder test require more DNA than the current test?
No.
Family Finder tests run on the new sequencing panel use the same stored DNA sample and do not require more DNA than the previous microarray genotyping test.
Why did FamilyTreeDNA choose a targeted sequencing panel instead of high coverage Whole Genome Sequencing?
Applying high coverage to a carefully selected portion of the genome allows us to deliver greater precision for genetic genealogy at a much more affordable price point than high coverage Whole Genome Sequencing.
This approach focuses on sequencing power where it matters most for family history research.
Why didn’t FamilyTreeDNA use low coverage Whole Genome Sequencing?
The targeted enrichment panel provides more consistent, higher-quality reporting across the regions of the genome that we have determined are most useful for genetic genealogy.
This consistency is especially important for analyses such as Y-DNA and planned mtDNA haplogroup estimations within the Family Finder product.
We are also excited about the potential for new insights from high coverage data and will continue evaluating these possibilities as our database of panel-based autosomal tests grows.
There are different sequencing approaches that replace microarrays. Which one is best?
That depends on what you are trying to learn.
Different sequencing approaches provide different views of your DNA, much like comparing an aerial photo of your home to a view from your front yard. Each approach offers strengths depending on the type of insight you are seeking.
For autosomal genetic genealogy, we believe our new targeted sequencing panel represents our new gold standard. It was designed specifically to deliver consistent, high-coverage data across the regions that matter most for matching, relationship inference, and future genealogical analysis, while remaining accessible and affordable for long-term research.
Over time, we expect multiple sequencing approaches to coexist, giving customers the ability to choose the tools that best support their research goals.