Hi, I've just been learning a bit about the more specific meaning of our YDNA results for members who've participated in the Family Tree DNA Coats project. They have found since we started this project that it is common for there to be at least one mutation between 2 people when you are going back 8 generations to your common ancestor. There can even be a mutation occurring in one generation. Some markers in red at the top of our page even change much more easily. Knowing the number of markers that vary isn't what is needed to know how close our common ancestors are likely to be - but luckily there is an easy way to have Family Tree DNA do that computing for you. Go to http//www.familytreedna.com and login. You should be at your MyFTDNA page. Find the link on the middle of the left hand column called "Matches" and click on it. Next, scroll down the screen to see all persons that have a match to your DNA. On the far right hand column next to their name, there is an orange red pedigree chart symbol on a blue background. When you click on that symbol, it will show you statistically how close you are by common ancestor within various generations to that cousin. So, when you get a one or 2 marker difference to someone else you expected to have the same ancestor as yours, don't despair. On a 37 point test, you can have 4 markers of difference and will still usually be in range to have the common ancestor you expected if they were back 7 or 8 generations from both of you. :) If you have questions on how to do this, you can email me. :) Linda Coate