The “Leeds Method” is a manual clustering technique developed by Dana Leeds in 2018, designed to help genealogists analyze and organize DNA matches more effectively. It is particularly useful for both beginners and professional genealogists who want to make sense of large sets of autosomal DNA matches from testing companies like AncestryDNA. I recommend visiting the website Dana Leeds maintains for all the details from the innovator herself – DanaLeeds.com

Why look at this method?  Read on my friends…

What is the Leeds Method?

The Leeds Method is a systematic approach to grouping DNA matches based on shared ancestors or common family lines. Instead of relying solely on automated tools, it encourages manual evaluation and clustering of matches to identify distinct family branches. This method helps researchers:

– Break down large match lists into manageable groups.

– Identify which matches belong to which ancestral line.

– Detect patterns and connections that automated tools might miss.

Dana Leeds introduced this method to address the challenge of overwhelming DNA match lists, especially when automated clustering tools were either unavailable or insufficient[1].

How Does the Leeds Method Work?

The core of the Leeds Method involves manual clustering of DNA matches using a spreadsheet or similar tool. The process includes:

1. Collecting DNA Matches: Start with your list of DNA matches from a testing company like AncestryDNA.

2. Sorting by Shared Matches: Look at shared matches between your DNA matches to find groups that are likely to descend from the same ancestor.

3. Assigning Cluster Numbers: Assign a cluster number or color to each group of matches that share a common ancestor.

4. Adding Notes and Details: Record any known genealogical information, such as surnames, locations, or family trees, to help identify the ancestral line.

5. Iterative Refinement: As you gather more information, refine your clusters by splitting or merging groups based on new evidence.

This manual approach contrasts with automated clustering tools that use algorithms to group matches but may not provide the nuance or context that manual review offers[1].

Benefits of the Leeds Method

Improved Clarity: By organizing matches into clusters, genealogists can focus on one family line at a time.

– Enhanced Accuracy: Manual review helps avoid errors that automated tools might introduce.

– Flexibility: The method adapts to different levels of genealogical knowledge, making it suitable for beginners and experts.

– Deeper Insights: Encourages researchers to engage deeply with their data, often leading to new discoveries.

Tools and Resources

While the Leeds Method is manual, genealogists often use spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets) to track clusters. Some also combine it with DNA analysis tools like:

– The latest version of RootsMagic has incorporated Leeds method as a reporting option and I use it often to guide my research tracks.

– AncestryDNA’s shared match feature to identify common matches.

– Third-party tools such as GEDmatch or DNA Painter for additional analysis.

Who Can Benefit from the Leeds Method?

– Beginners: Provides a structured way to start analyzing DNA matches without relying on complex software.

– Intermediate Researchers: Helps organize growing match lists and integrate genealogical data.

– Professional Genealogists: Offers a rigorous method to validate and present DNA evidence in research reports.

Summary

The Leeds Method is a powerful manual clustering technique for organizing DNA matches by shared ancestry. Developed by Dana Leeds in 2018, it helps genealogists of all levels make sense of complex DNA data, leading to clearer insights and more accurate family trees. By combining manual analysis with available DNA tools, researchers can uncover connections that automated methods might overlook[1].