Build Your First Pedigree Chart
Every bloodline tells a story in a shape. Today you'll draw yours — starting with you, and branching backward through the people who made you possible.
What is a Pedigree Chart?
A pedigree chart is simply a map of your direct bloodline. It starts with you, in the very first box, and moves backward in time — to your parents, then your grandparents, and beyond.
There is no guesswork involved. Genealogists follow a few simple, time-tested rules so that every chart, no matter who draws it, can be read the same way.
- ▲ Top Branch: The biological Father always goes on the upper branch of a couple.
- ▼ Bottom Branch: The biological Mother always goes on the lower branch of a couple.
- ✦ Maiden Names Only: Always record women using their maiden surnames rather than their married names to keep historical tracking completely accurate.
Lesson Resource
Your Free Printable 5-Generation Pedigree Chart
Print this clean, large-print chart to fill out by hand as you follow along. It's perfect for keeping on your desk as you research.
Filling in the “Big Four” Vital Facts
Don’t worry about census records or military history yet. For this first chart, you only need four foundational details for each person on the tree.
Spotting Gaps and Gaining Context
Once your chart is filled in, take a slow, careful look at it. A few minutes of visual review now can save you hours of confusion later.
- Blank Branches: If a branch is completely empty, mark that down as your brand new Research Goal.
- Anomalies & Typos: Visually check dates for logical errors — for example, a child listed as born when the mother was only 12 years old signals a transcription error or an incorrect ancestor match.