Ever get confused by terms like “second cousin once removed”? Our simple calculator can help. To find your exact family connection, you only need to know one thing: the most recent ancestor you and your relative share.
Here’s how to use it:
- First, find your shared ancestor. This is the most important step.
- Example: Imagine your grandmother is also your relative’s great-grandmother. The ancestor you both share is your great-grandparent.
- Next, fill out the two boxes.
- In the first dropdown menu, select your relationship to that shared ancestor (“Great-Grandparent”).
- In the second menu, select your relative’s relationship to that same ancestor (“Great-Great-Grandparent”).
Finally, just press the Calculate button. The result will instantly tell you exactly how you are related.
Cousin Relationship Calculator
— Your relationship will appear here —
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “removed” mean in a cousin relationship?
The term “removed” simply indicates that you and your relative are from different generations. Each “remove” represents one generation of difference. For example, your mother’s first cousin is your first cousin, once removed, because you are one generation apart. If your first cousin has a child, that child is also your first cousin, once removed. Your own child would then be first cousins, twice removed, from your mother’s cousin.
What’s the difference between first, second, and third cousins?
This number tells you which direct ancestor you share. The degree of cousinship is determined by how far back you have to go to find your common ancestor.
- First cousins share grandparents.
- Second cousins share great-grandparents.
- Third cousins share great-great-grandparents, and so on.
What are “double cousins”?
This is a rare relationship that occurs when two siblings from one family have children with two siblings from another family. The children of these marriages are related through both of their parents, not just one. This means they share both sets of grandparents, making them genetically as close as half-siblings.
Is a great-aunt the same as a grand-aunt?
Yes, the terms are used interchangeably. Both great-aunt and grand-aunt refer to the sister of one of your grandparents.