Free tools Ready offline Offline mode
Update ready
Offline mode
Free genealogy calculator

How many ancestors are in each generation?

Choose a generation to see the theoretical number of direct ancestors, the cumulative research slots, and an estimated birth period.

Generations back

Parents are generation 1; grandparents are generation 2.

Direct ancestors in generation 416
Cumulative ancestor slots30
Estimated birth periodabout 1914

These are pedigree positions, not necessarily unique people. Pedigree collapse can make one person occupy more than one position.

Turn the number into a research plan

1

The number doubles in a complete theoretical tree: 2 parents, 4 grandparents, 8 great-grandparents, and so on.

2

The cumulative total adds every generation between you and the selected level. It measures research positions, not verified individuals.

3

The year is only a planning estimate. Actual parent-child intervals vary widely across families.

Continue your family tree on iPhone
Family Tree App

Continue on your iPhone

Scan the code with your iPhone camera, or send yourself the App Store link.

Scan with CameraOpens the app directly in the App Store.
Open App Store

Link copied