What is a first cousin once removed?
A first cousin once removed is a first cousin who sits one generation away from you. It works in both directions: your first cousin's child and your parent's first cousin are both your first cousins once removed.
Preset to this relationship. Change the steps to compare with neighbouring relationships.
They are your
first cousin once removed
Common ancestors: your grandparents. Expected shared DNA: 6.25%
Shorter branch = 2 steps → 2 − 1 = 1 → first cousin. Branches differ by 1 → once removed.
The "first" comes from the person in the older generation of the pair: they share grandparents with the other person's parent. The "once removed" counts the one-generation gap.
Expected shared DNA is about 6.25% (1/16) — half of what first cousins share.
The relationship is symmetrical: if Sofia is your first cousin once removed, you are hers too.
To check a real pair of relatives, add them to the family tree maker and use How related?, or look them up on the cousin chart.
Questions
Is my cousin's child my second cousin?
No — your cousin's child is your first cousin once removed. Your children and your cousin's children are second cousins to each other.
Is my parent's cousin my first cousin once removed?
Yes.
How much DNA do first cousins once removed share?
About 6.25% on average, with a typical range of roughly 3% to 10%.