What is a first cousin twice removed?
A first cousin twice removed sits two generations away from your first-cousin line: your first cousin's grandchild, or your grandparent's first cousin.
Preset to this relationship. Change the steps to compare with neighbouring relationships.
They are your
first cousin twice removed
Common ancestors: your grandparents. Expected shared DNA: 3.13%
Shorter branch = 2 steps → 2 − 1 = 1 → first cousin. Branches differ by 2 → twice removed.
The "first" comes from the older person in the pair, who shares grandparents with the younger person's grandparent. "Twice removed" counts the two-generation gap.
Expected shared DNA is about 3.125% (1/32), the same average as second cousins, because the total number of steps between the two people and the shared couple is the same.
The relationship works both ways: if your grandmother's first cousin is your first cousin twice removed, you are theirs 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
What is my grandparent's first cousin to me?
Your first cousin twice removed.
What is my first cousin's grandchild to me?
Your first cousin twice removed. To your children, that grandchild is a second cousin once removed.