A cousin chart, or family relationship chart, helps explain the relationship between two people who share a common ancestor.  Are you first cousins, second cousins, third cousins, or maybe a fifth cousin once removed?  The chart below can help you determine that. If you want to print the chart, a printable PDF of the chart is available.

Chart Instructions

1. The box marked CA on the chart in the upper left-hand corner is the common ancestor of two people.
2. Identify the relationship of the first person to the common ancestor, e.g., child, grandchild, 8th great grandchild, etc. Find that box on the top row.
3. Identify the relationship of the second person to the common ancestor, e.g., grandchild, great grandchild, 3rd great grandchild, etc. Find that box in the left-hand column.
4. Follow the column straight down from the top row and follow the row straight across from the left-hand column. The relationship of the second person to the first person will be the box where the two lines meet.

Chart Abbreviations Used:

CA Common Ancestor
C Child
S Sibling (Brother/Sister)
N Niece/Nephew
GC Grandchild
GGC Great Grandchild
GN Grand Niece/Nephew
GGN Great Grand Niece/Nephew
#C Cousin Relationship, e.g., 1C = First Cousin, etc.
#R # of times removed, e.g., 4R = 4 times removed, etc.

Learn More:

• Which cousin is that? (video)