Cousin Finder

You can see clearly the "removed" explanation on this chart. The "x cousin-x removed" kinship has caused a lot of confusion. When the word "removed" is used to describe a kinship, it indicates that the two people are from different generations. The easiest manner to understand "removed" is to think in number of generations removed from a common ancestor. Third cousins are each 4 generations from the common ancestor. So generations from common ancestor less one equals the cousin number. Brothers and sisters are one generation removed from the common ancestor or their father. Your third cousin once-removed is 5 generations from the common ancestor while you are 4 generations from the common ancestor. Still confused? Just put known kinfolk's lineage in the blocks along top and side of the chart.