atDNA is our forensic spreadsheet containing probable allelic STR frequencies from more than 551 populations from all over the world. If an autosomal STR profile (such as your CODIS markers) is entered, it calculates the average combined frequencies (random match probability) for each population and displays them graphically with dots on a world map. Used in our DNA Fingerprint family of products.
The n number following a population name shows how many subjects were tested in a given study, or the size of the sample. The sample size ranges from fewer than 50 participants to several thousand, with approximately 300 being common. Regardless of size, all samples are considered valid within the context of their respective studies.
For coverage, check out the description of Megapopulations.
Note that these are calculations. atDNA is a probabilistic predictor of population affinities for an individual, and it gives matches to populations, not persons. Like all other such programs, it is not absolute. It gives the chances for a match, not strictly speaking a 100% sure match in terms of yes/no. Consequently, all matches must be carefully evaluated and interpreted.
The current version as of January 2026 is atDNA 11.6..
The 15 searchable loci are:
D3S1358
vWA
FGA
D8S1179
D21S11
D18S51
D5S818
D13S317
D7S820
D16S539
THO1
TPOX
CSF1PO
D19S433
D2S1338
DNA profiles or fingerprints are sometimes referred to as having 16 loci, the 16th locus being AMEL, an indication of male (X,Y) or female (X,X). The last two (in blue on profiles) are more in use in Europe than in America.
There are 49 European countries or populations, representing 223,722 persons sampled, as follows:
Euro Populations in atDNA
Native American Populations
The atDNA Database is our autosomal STR frequency database. It is a spreadsheet-based program, developed in Excel, by DNA Consultants to provide computations for its popular DNA Fingerprint Test. The program input is the autosomal STR genotype profiles that include the 13 FBI CODIS markers (CODIS – Combined DNA Index System developed for use in Forensic DNA typing), and the additional two U.K./Europe markers in the ENFSI (European Network of Forensic Science Institutes) standard. This allows gauging one’s entire genome to reflect entire individual ancestry within a meaningful geo-historical framework.
The atDNA Database computes the Random Match Probability (RMP) for each population based on the person’s DNA profile. The Populations with highest RMP values have the largest contribution to the origin of the person. Since the initial release of atDNA Database, the 1996 NRC recommendations for computing the RMP values, is being used.
The computations are based on worldwide DNA data obtained from hundreds of articles published since 1992. As of January 2026, the atDNA Database contains 551 populations (417 worldwide populations, 49 Europe-only populations, 85 Indian-only Populations) representing a sample of 193,119 people. The names of population data sets are derived from the relevant published article, with few changes in nomenclature. All are valid samples reported in a standardized fashion in forensic literature. The current version represents an increase from 371 populations, totaling 110,191 people, on January 2011, when the initial atDNA version (1.11.11) was released.
The program outputs, based on each person`s DNA test results, are:
An Excel program consists of sections (worksheets or tabs). The atDNA Excel program contains 12 sections.
Two main worksheets (Main & Main2) with similar contents compute the population ranks, of the top 50 populations, and the world map dot shading colors.
Two worksheets, Meta and Meta2, compute the average frequencies for the 98 Meta populations. The 49 Euro populations are not used in this analysis. Each Meta population is formed by combining all available country or specific ethnic group data sets into one. Italy and North American Indian are two examples.
Two worksheets, Mega and Mega2, compute average frequencies for the 22 Mega populations. Each Mega population is formed by combing all Meta population data into a single Mega population. Northern European, East Asian and Romani are three examples of Mega populations. The 49 Euro populations are not used in this analysis.
Two WorldMap worksheets contain the world maps for the worldwide populations on two different bases, core and expanded, with the dots shaded different colors showing strong, weak, or no match.
The Data worksheet has frequency information for all the 551 populations.
The Euro worksheet performs the same functions as the Main worksheet using only the Euro populations on the 10-marker basis recommended by ENFSI.
The three worksheets labeled Main Results, Results, & Euro Results contain the information to generate World maps of the location of the top 50 Populations for each of the three worksheets.
During the 16 years that I have been responsible for the atDNA Dbase, several minor changes were made. The basic computation methods, however, were not changed. One change made it easier to enter DNA profiles of customers by the Analysts that wrote the customer reports. Working closely with the Analysts resulted in other changes they suggested that allowed reports to be done in a timely manner.
Last updated: January 1, 2026
