How do the numbers work when starting from scratch?

Many family tree programs are available now and some forms are downloadable on the Internet or purchase from a specialized business that stock these documents and also check your local family history group or family history society.

The family tree pedigree numbering on a piece of paper may cause some confusion to the beginner.

The Number One is always YOU no matter whether you are male or female when you start a pedigree chart.

The number two represents the paternal (fathers) side.

The number three signifies the maternal (mothers) line.

The number four indicates the paternal grandfather (your grandfather on your father’s line)

The number five implies to the paternal grandmother (your grandmother on your father’s side)

The number six means the maternal grandfather (your grandfather on your mother’s line)

The number seven refers to the maternal grandmother (your grandmother on your mother’s side)

An easy tip to remember this is that the male represents all even numbers and female all the odd numbers in this numbering throughout the pedigree chart.