"Family tree" is a broad term. In practice, researchers use a handful of chart styles, and each one is designed to answer a different question. Choosing the right one makes your research clearer and your results easier to share.
The pedigree chart
A pedigree chart starts with one person, often you, and branches backwards through parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. Each generation doubles: two parents, four grandparents, eight great-grandparents and so on.
Best for: tracing your direct line of ancestors and spotting gaps at a glance. If a box is empty, you know exactly whom to research next.
The descendant chart
A descendant chart works the other way. It begins with a single ancestor or couple and shows everyone who descends from them: children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and beyond.
Best for: family reunions, finding living cousins and understanding how large a family has grown over time.
The family group sheet
A family group sheet focuses on one couple and all of their children. It records dates and places for every person, along with the sources for each fact.
Best for: day-to-day research. Filling one in for each household keeps your evidence organised and highlights missing children or unconfirmed dates.
The fan chart
A fan chart is a pedigree chart arranged in a semicircle, with you at the centre and each generation forming a wider arc. It fits many generations into a compact, attractive shape.
Best for: printing and displaying, especially as a gift.
The hourglass chart
An hourglass chart places one person in the middle, with ancestors fanning out above and descendants spreading out below.
Best for: showing a single person's place between past and future generations, such as for a milestone birthday.
Tip: Most researchers use more than one. A pedigree chart gives you the big picture, while family group sheets hold the detailed evidence behind it.
Making your first chart
Start simple. Draw a three-generation pedigree chart on paper with you at the bottom, your parents above and your four grandparents at the top. Fill in what you know, leave the rest blank and use the gaps as your research list. Our guide on how to start your family tree explains the next steps.