The test results have been divided into eight separate DNA signature groups indicated by the different background colors in the table below. A documented connection between the different signature groups is not likely to be found because the groups are believed to be separated by more than 1000 years based on the number of mutations.

• The average rate of mutation for a specific DYS is 1 mutation every 500 generations.
• A generation is considered to be 20 years.

All members of the same signature group are likely to have a common ancestor that lived within a time frame that makes finding a documented connection possible.

You can use the application below to compare the different DNA signatures of the project member.

Family Tree DNA has provided a Time to Most Recent Common Ancestry Calculator that is based on the publication "Estimating the Time to the Most Recent Common Ancestor for the Y chromosome or Mitochondrial DNA for a Pair of Individuals" by Bruce Walsh.

• The average rate of mutation for a specific DYS is 1 mutation every 500 generations.
• A generation is considered to be 20 years.
• DYS 439 is the fastest mutating marker in the 12 marker test. (Bennett from Family Tree DNA)
• Family Tree DNA calculates a 12 marker match as meaning we have a 50% chance of a common ancestor within 14.5 generations (290 years), 90% chance within 48 generations (960 years), and a 95% chance within 62 generations (1240 years).
• Family Tree DNA calculates a 11 marker match and 1 marker with a 1 step mutation as meaning we have a 50% chance of a common ancestor within 37 generations (740 years), 90% chance within 85 generations (1700 years), and a 95% chance within 103 generations (2060 years).
• Family Tree DNA calculates a 10 marker match and 2 marker with a 1 step mutation as meaning we have a 50% chance of a common ancestor within 61 generations (1220 years), 90% chance within 122 generations (2440 years), and a 95% chance within 144 generations (2880 years).
• Family Tree DNA calculates a 10 marker match and 1 marker with a 1 step mutation and 1 marker with a 2 step mutation as meaning we have a 50% chance of a common ancestor within 61 generations (1220 years), 90% chance within 122 generations (2440 years), and a 95% chance within 144 generations (2880 years).

The markers in the expanded test (additional 13 markers) tended to change faster than the basic 12 markers.

The 464 series, the last 4 markers, are the fastest moving followed by 449, 439, 458, 385, and 459.  The relationship of the 464 series are linked something like the 389-1 and 389-2 and a change in one will affect the others, but it is more complicated than a simple one on one change.