{"id":110497,"date":"2026-09-03T08:54:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T12:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/live-genealogy.pantheonsite.io\/?p=110497"},"modified":"2026-09-03T08:54:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T12:54:00","slug":"genealogy-basics-the-pedigree-chart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.genealogybank.com\/blog\/genealogy-basics-the-pedigree-chart.html","title":{"rendered":"Genealogy Basics: The Pedigree Chart"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction:<\/em><\/strong> In this article, Gena Philibert-Ortega explains the importance of pedigree charts to your genealogy and provides links to free templates. Gena is a genealogist and author of the book \u201cFrom the Family Kitchen.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

One of the first things you should do when starting a family history research project is to fill in a pedigree chart. Whether this is done in a family tree software program, an online tree, or paper forms, it doesn\u2019t matter. What\u2019s important is that you add as much information as you currently know so that you have a starting point for your research. A pedigree chart helps you to be organized and view relationships. Eventually it can also serve as a decorative chart for family members interested in your research.<\/p>\n

This pedigree chart is free from the National Archives<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\"Photo:
Photo: pedigree chart. Credit: National Archives.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before we discuss the proper way to begin a pedigree chart, let\u2019s first define what a pedigree chart is.<\/p>\n

According to Miriam-Webster, a pedigree is a \u201cregister recording a line of ancestors\u201d or an \u201cancestral line.\u201d *<\/p>\n

In genealogy, pedigree charts show direct line ancestors back from the root person to 4, 5, or 6 generations. If you are printing from a genealogy software program or an online tree, you can choose how many generations to show. Typically, this chart is a \u201cworking\u201d chart meaning that it changes and evolves as you research.<\/p>\n

What Is NOT on a Pedigree Chart?<\/strong><\/p>\n

As mentioned previously, a pedigree chart traces a person\u2019s ancestors. That means it does not include siblings or aunts and uncles. We are focusing solely on direct-line ancestors: parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc.<\/p>\n

On your first pedigree chart, you will be the root person (or #1) on the chart; you will then add your parents, grandparents, and their parents. Pedigree charts do have a space for the root person\u2019s spouse, but you are not tracing that spouse\u2019s ancestors nor are you adding any children the root person has\/had.<\/p>\n

Correct Ways to Fill Out a Chart<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are correct ways to fill out a pedigree chart. For example:<\/p>\n