Tree Checker helps you improve your family tree by finding possible errors like:
- Duplicate people
- Missing information
- Dates that seem incorrect
Based on those errors, your tree is then rated on a scale of 1 to 10 to summarize its overall quality. A higher tree rating generally means fewer errors.
Accessing the Tree Checker
To use the Tree Checker, your tree must include at least 50 people. Full access to Tree Checker and its features is available with an active Ancestry® Pro Tools Membership. Without Pro Tools, you'll see a limited version instead.
There are several ways to access the Tree Checker:
- In the top-right corner of your tree or a person’s profile, click the circled ! mark
or Tree rating 
. - From someone’s profile page:
- In the top right corner, click Tools and select Check for errors.
- Or, in the research tools bar, click Check for errors.
- From the list of all people, use advanced filters to filter by “Possible duplicates” and "Other possible issues.”
- In the top-right corner of the Ancestry homepage, under Pro Tools shortcuts, click Tree Checker. You'll see the Tree Checker for the last tree you viewed that you own or can edit. To see the Tree Checker for a different tree, open that tree first, then follow these steps again.
Note: Tree Checker can only be used on trees you own or can edit.
Viewing the tree rating
At the top of the Tree Checker page, you’ll see a score rating the tree on a scale of 1-10 (trees with fewer than 50 people won’t have a rating). This rating shows the overall quality of the family tree. A higher rating generally means more sources to verify the tree's information and fewer errors.
If you don’t have Pro Tools, you’ll still see a weekly tree rating in your family tree view. You can turn this feature on or off by selecting Tree rating in the side panel, then checking or unchecking Show rating on my tree.
The tree rating is based on:
- Possible duplicate people
- People without sources/documentation
- People with only other trees as sources/documentation
- People with other possible errors
If you don’t have Pro Tools, you’ll see a preview of up to 5 ancestors with potential errors each week. Errors may include:
- Possible duplicates
- People with only tree documentation
- People with no documentation
- People with other possible errors
In the Filters panel, check the box next to an error category to see the people in this tree who have those errors.
To improve the tree's rating, fix the errors it found. After making changes, it may take up to an hour for your tree's rating to update.
Fixing errors
After accessing the Tree Checker:
- Review the list of people with possible errors and click on a person's name to go to their profile page.
- In the top-right corner of their profile, click the circled ! mark . A dot next to the circled ! mark
means they have possible errors. - In the panel on the right, choose what you want to do.
- To fix an error, click on the error to get started, then follow the onscreen instructions.
- To hide an error, click x; unhide by selecting Hidden and clicking Don’t ignore.
- To see this tree's list of errors again, click View all possible errors. (Only visible when all errors are hidden or resolved.)
Filtering errors
To customize who or what you see in the list of people with possible errors, see Advanced Filters in Ancestry® Pro Tools.
Frequently asked questions
Who can see my tree's rating and possible errors?
The Tree Checker can only be used by a tree’s owner and editors—meaning the Tree Checker, its rating, and any errors it finds are only visible to you, the tree’s owner, and those you've invited as editors.
Other people you’ve shared your tree with as guests and contributors can’t see the tree's rating or possible errors. If you want their help fixing the errors, create tasks for these errors and assign them to people you’ve invited to your tree.
Why isn't anyone showing up in the list of possible errors?
If the list is empty, it could be because we didn't find any possible errors or your filters are too specific. Try editing your filters or clicking “Clear all filters” at the top of the filters panel.
How do I download or print the list of possible errors?
The list of possible errors cannot be downloaded or printed at this time.
Is Tree Checker available in the Ancestry App?
No. Tree Checker and other Pro Tools features are not currently available in the Ancestry mobile app. However, they are available on the Ancestry website with an active Pro Tools membership.
What can I view with Tree Checker without an Ancestry® Pro Tools membership?
Without Pro Tools, you’ll see a limited version of the Tree Checker. You’ll get a weekly tree rating and a preview of up to 5 ancestors with potential errors.
