Guide
Genogram Symbols Explained
Genograms use a visual language of shapes and lines to show family relationships across generations. This guide explains the most common symbols and how they differ from a traditional family tree.
What is a genogram?
A genogram is a family diagram that goes beyond simply showing who is related to whom. It can represent relationship types, family events, selected health information, adoption, and recurring patterns across generations. Genograms are used in areas such as medicine, psychology, social work, and family research.
For genealogy projects, a genogram can be useful when you need to record more context than a traditional family tree provides. If your main goal is simply to document ancestors and descendants, a family tree template or pedigree chart may be a better fit.
Person symbols
Common genogram symbols for people
Person symbols identify the individuals in a genogram. The exact conventions can vary, particularly for medical or professional genograms, so include a legend when sharing your diagram.
□
Square
Square
Usually represents a male family member.
○
Circle
Circle
Usually represents a female family member.
△
Triangle
Triangle
May represent a pregnancy, miscarriage, or stillbirth. A short label or legend should clarify the meaning.
■
Filled symbol
Filled symbol
A filled or shaded square or circle is commonly used to indicate a deceased individual.
□̸
Crossed symbol
Crossed symbol
Some genogram conventions use an X or cross through the person symbol to indicate death.
◇
Unknown gender
Unknown gender
A diamond or another neutral shape may be used when gender is unknown or not specified.
Relationship symbols
Lines show the type of relationship
Relationship lines connect people at the same generational level. Their style communicates whether a relationship is married, separated, divorced, distant, or conflicted.
━━━━
Married
Married
A single solid horizontal line commonly represents a married couple.
━━━━
Common-law or de facto
Common-law or de facto
A double horizontal line is commonly used for a common-law or de facto relationship.
┄┄┄┄
Separated
Separated
A dashed horizontal line can indicate a separated couple.
━━╱╱━━
Divorced
Divorced
A relationship line crossed by two diagonal slashes can indicate divorce.
······
Distant or estranged
Distant or estranged
A dotted line may be used to indicate a distant or estranged relationship.
≈≈≈≈
Conflict
Conflict
A wavy line can indicate a conflicted or hostile relationship.
Parent-child connections
How children are connected to their parents
Biological child
A solid diagonal or vertical connection is commonly used to show a biological parent-child relationship.
Adopted child
A dashed connection may be used to distinguish an adopted child from a biological child.
Foster child
A dotted connection may be used for a foster child.
Blended family
When a child belongs to only one partner in a couple, connect the child to the relevant parent rather than implying that both partners are biological parents.
Twins
How twins are shown?
Twins are connected from the same point on the sibling line. In commonly used conventions, identical twins are shown with lines that meet at a shared point before branching to the two individuals, while fraternal twins branch separately. This distinction can be useful when a genogram is being used to study hereditary patterns.
Step by step
How to draw a genogram
Start with one person and expand gradually. This keeps the diagram readable and makes it easier to correct your research as you discover new information.
1. Start with one person
Place yourself or the person you are researching near the centre of the page. Use the appropriate person symbol and add the name or other short identifying information.
2. Add the parents
Place the parents above the person and connect them using the relationship symbol that matches their situation. Then add the parent-child connection.
3. Add siblings and children
Use a horizontal sibling bar and connect each sibling to it. Continue downward to add children and other descendants.
4. Expand to earlier generations
Add grandparents and earlier ancestors using the same relationship and parent-child conventions. Expanding one generation at a time helps keep the diagram readable.
5. Add important family information
Genograms can include selected life events, health information, occupations, or other family patterns. Keep labels short and store detailed research separately.
6. Add a legend
A legend is especially useful because genogram conventions can vary. Explain any symbols or line styles that are not immediately obvious.
Choosing the right format
Genogram vs. family tree vs. pedigree chart
Genogram
Best when you need to show relationship types, family dynamics, selected life events, or other patterns in addition to basic ancestry.
Family Tree
Best for a clear visual overview of relatives across several generations. Browse family tree templates.
Pedigree Chart
Best for focusing on a direct line of ancestry. See the pedigree chart collection.
Research Templates
Useful for supporting research, sources, family groups, and unresolved questions. See other research templates.
Important note
Genogram symbols are not completely universal
Different professional fields and sources use slightly different conventions. Common variations include how deceased people are marked and whether adoption is shown with a dashed or dotted connection. Do not assume that every genogram uses exactly the same symbol set.
When you create a genogram for other people to read, include a small legend explaining your symbols. This is particularly important for professional, medical, or research use.
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Pedigree Charts
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Other Research Templates
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Frequently asked questions
What shape represents a male in a genogram?
A square is commonly used to represent a male family member. A filled or shaded square may indicate that the person is deceased.
What shape represents a female in a genogram?
A circle is commonly used to represent a female family member. A filled or shaded circle may indicate that the person is deceased.
What does a dashed line mean in a genogram?
A dashed horizontal line commonly represents a separated couple. A relationship line crossed by two diagonal slashes is commonly used for divorce.
How is an adopted child shown in a genogram?
An adopted child is often connected with a dashed line. Conventions vary, so a legend should be used when the diagram may be read by other people.
What is the difference between a genogram and a family tree?
A family tree primarily shows family relationships and ancestry. A genogram adds more information about relationship types, family dynamics, selected life events, and other patterns across generations.
Are genogram symbols completely standardized?
No. Common conventions exist, but symbols can vary between professional fields and sources. When reading or sharing a genogram, check or provide the legend rather than assuming every symbol has one universal meaning.