Since 2022 grouping to the 46 Pre-Chalcolithic groups (7000-8000 BC) is the primary goal. BigY/NGS and deep enough SNP results will be the reference kits for Y-STR haplotype clustering. Kits without such results are planned to be moved to “predicted” groups, according to their nearness by GD (genetic distance) observations.
Grouping up to 2017 (and partly up to 2021)
To group members of J2-M172 Project@FTDNA first the available Y-SNP information is used. See Basic tree subclades and haplogroups names).
Clusters usually will be builded outside of subclades of active J2 partner FTDNA projects, when three kits with 67 or more STR-Markers have all a GD (genetic distance) according to ISOGG STR diversity requirement for haplogroups (GD≥5 or for 75+ markers ≥7% which means GD≥5/67 or GD≥8/111).
For clustering the following criteria is used (under 67 STR-Markers the uncertainty gets higher and the GD should be lower then listed):
Confirmed and Near
Tested positive for the terminal group SNP and/or obvious match in genealogical time (same surname, same origin/place, ~GD≤5%)
Likely (should confirm terminal SNP)
Matching below or at the limit of the ISOGG STR diversity requirement for haplogroups (~GD≤10%) without similar matches in other groups.
Predicted (Terminal or “Deep SNP” test or STR-marker upgrade)
Matching below the doubled limit of the ISOGG STR diversity requirement for haplogroups (~GD≤20%) without similar matches in other groups.
Suspected (“Deep SNP” test or STR-marker upgrade)
High GD with other groups not much farer away, but possibly a match in this haplogroup.