How to make a pedigree chart

A pedigree chart is a family tree diagram that starts with one individual (often yourself) and works backwards in time. Unlike a full family tree, which can branch out to include siblings, cousins and extended relatives, a pedigree chart focuses solely on direct ancestors – parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so on. 

This format makes it ideal for organising research, especially when you're just starting out or preparing to share your findings with others. 

Is a pedigree chart different from a family tree? 

While a family tree can include siblings, cousins, and whole branches of extended relatives, a pedigree chart focuses only on direct ancestors in a straight line back through the generations. 

It's a streamlined version of a family tree, designed to help you track your lineage clearly and efficiently. It may also include shaded symbols to represent further details (like gender and whether someone is deceased). 

A pedigree chart may have a different purpose than a family tree. Rather than tracing ancestors, it may be used to track hereditary diseases and genetic relationships within a family. 

Traditionally, a pedigree chart is set out in a series of boxes connected by lines: 

• You appear at the starting point, usually on the left-hand side. 
• Parents are shown to the right of you, connected by horizontal lines. 
• Grandparents come next, followed by great-grandparents, and so on. 
• Each generation doubles the number of boxes, creating a clear visual ladder of ancestry. 

Most charts number individuals, too, which makes it easy to reference them in notes. For example, you might be number one, your father number two, and your mother number three. 

At its simplest, a pedigree chart only shows names. But to get the most out of it, you should also add: 

• Dates of birth and death 
• Places of birth, marriage, and death 
• Occupations (if known) 

This extra information transforms a chart from a simple list of names into a meaningful family history tool. 

To make your first pedigree chart, simply start with yourself and work backwards, adding what you know from memory, family conversations and existing certificates. Once you’ve built a framework, you can begin fleshing it out with historical records. 

You can download blank pedigree chart templates to fill in by hand, which is a satisfying way to keep track of your progress. However, online family tree builders – such as those on Findmypast – make it even easier. Digital charts expand automatically as you add new ancestors, and you can attach census records, photos and documents directly to each person. 

Online pedigree charts also have the advantage of being shareable. You can send a link to relatives, collaborate on research, or print out a version to keep at home. 

Pedigree charts are more than just neat diagrams – they're research roadmaps. By laying out your family in this structured way, you'll quickly see: 

• Gaps in your knowledge (for example, a missing great-grandparent’s birthplace) 
• Patterns across generations, such as naming traditions or recurring occupations 
• New lines to explore, as every empty box represents an ancestor waiting to be discovered 

A pedigree chart or family tree grows alongside your research. Over time, it becomes a powerful snapshot of your family's story, filled with the rich details you need to bring your past to life.