Steve, Yes, If you test 46 markers and you match the person 45/46 the probability that you and the other person share a common ancestor is high. It is less probable if you and the person do not share the same surname. If you go to FTDNA , their FAQ should answer questions. As for your question regarding if someone tests 36 and the other 46, well both will have to test for the same amount of markers. The person who tested 36 will have to test 46 markers to get a good comparison or bother can be compared by used only 36 markers for both. Do they match 36/36 at 36 markers? BTW,,you shouldn't have to test with FTDNA to be able to access their FAQ section. I could possibly send you a comparison chart to your personal email address, but I don't think the mailing list can handle it if I cut and pasted it into this email. Linda -----Original Message----- From: Steve Stevens Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2012 6:51 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [VA-ROOTS] Genealogy While on the subject of DNA, does anyone know how to interpret the results? As an example: Two people test 46 marker and their DNA match exactly, except for one marker. Let's say the one marker is off by one, a 12 instead of 11. How does one determine the Most Recent? Does it matter which marker it is? What if one person does a 36 marker and the other a 46 and off by one? Doing the test is one thing, interpreting them is another. I know the labs do the readings and Most Recent, but if you think (would say know) two people are from the same great grandfather, but a marker is off by one and the results say Most Recent is 6, then what do you reason from the results? Thanks for any help. Regards, Steve To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2114/4835 - Release Date: 02/27/12 ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2114/4837 - Release Date: 02/28/12 To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html