Free Pedigree Chart Template
A standard 4-generation pedigree chart showing your direct ancestors in four columns — you on the left, your great-grandparents on the right. The most common format used by genealogists. A4 landscape.
Open & Print Free Template View Filled ExampleAlso available: 3-Generation Pedigree Chart
How to Use This Template
- Open the template in your browser using the button above.
- Print on A4 paper in landscape orientation, or save as PDF.
- Enter your name in the left box.
- Fill in your parents in the second column.
- Continue with grandparents and great-grandparents moving right across the columns.
About This Template
A pedigree chart (also called an ancestor chart) shows only your direct-line ancestors — yourself, your parents, their parents, and so on. It is displayed horizontally with you on the left and your most distant known ancestors on the right. This makes it easy to see gaps in your research at a glance. The 4-generation chart fits 15 people on one A4 landscape sheet: you, 2 parents, 4 grandparents, and 8 great-grandparents.
A pedigree chart differs from a portrait family tree in that a portrait tree typically includes siblings, spouses, and extended relatives. The pedigree chart shows only the direct ancestral line. Genealogists prefer this format for research because it scales well — when one chart is full, you start a new one beginning at the oldest ancestor on the previous chart and continue backward. The FamilySearch pedigree chart standard is the most widely used reference for how to complete and link these charts.
This template pairs naturally with the Family Group Sheet. The pedigree chart gives you the overview of who your ancestors are; the family group sheet records all details about each couple (names, dates, places, children). Together they form a complete genealogy research file.
Pedigree Chart Numbering
The standard ahnentafel numbering system assigns number 1 to you, number 2 to your father, and number 3 to your mother. Each person's father is double their number; each person's mother is double their number plus one. This means great-grandparents are numbered 8–15. Using this numbering makes it easy to link multiple pedigree charts together as your research extends further back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a pedigree chart show?
A pedigree chart shows your direct-line ancestors only — yourself on the left, with each generation extending right. The 4-generation chart fits 15 people on one A4 landscape page: you, 2 parents, 4 grandparents, and 8 great-grandparents. Siblings, cousins, and extended family are not shown.
How is a pedigree chart numbered?
In the ahnentafel system, you are number 1. Your father is 2, your mother is 3. Grandparents are 4–7, great-grandparents are 8–15. This numbering lets you link multiple pedigree charts across generations and is the standard used by FamilySearch and most genealogy software.
Should I use a pedigree chart or a portrait family tree?
Use a pedigree chart for genealogy research — it tracks direct ancestry efficiently and makes gaps visible immediately. Use a portrait family tree for display or school projects. Most genealogists use both: pedigree charts for research, portrait trees for sharing with family.