Use this individual inbreeding coefficient calculator to estimate genetic diversity from an animal analysis number. This tool helps evaluate the proportion of heterozygous markers in a genetic profile and can be used as an indicator when reviewing inbreeding in dogs, cats and horses.
Enter the analysis number below to calculate the percentage of heterozygous autosomal markers based on the available SNP data.
Calculate individual inbreeding coefficient
What does inbreeding mean?
Inbreeding refers to the presence of two different alleles at a genetic marker. In population genetics and breeding analysis, a higher proportion of heterozygous markers is generally associated with greater genetic diversity, while a lower proportion may reflect increased relatedness.
This calculator reviews eligible autosomal SNP markers and measures how many of them are heterozygous. The result is shown as both a ratio and a percentage to make interpretation easier.
How the calculator works
- Only autosomal SNP markers are counted.
- Sex-linked markers such as X, Y and Amelogenin are excluded.
- Only valid genotypes in the form A/A, A/T, A/G, A/C, T/T, T/G, T/C, G/G, G/C, C/C are included.
- The final result shows the number of heterozygous markers divided by the total number of counted markers.
How to interpret the result
The percentage displayed by this tool is an indicator of marker-level heterozygosity for the selected animal. It can be useful when comparing individuals or reviewing genetic diversity, but it should be interpreted together with pedigree information, breeding objectives and, when relevant, disease risk analysis.
For breeding decisions, this individual result can complement a broader review of inbreeding coefficient tools, genetic inheritance prediction and your breed-specific genetic context.
Frequently asked questions
What does this calculator measure?
This tool measures the proportion of heterozygous autosomal SNP markers in the available genetic profile for one animal and expresses the result as a ratio and a percentage.
Is heterozygosity the same as an inbreeding coefficient?
Not exactly. Heterozygosity is a marker-based measure of genetic variation, while the inbreeding coefficient is a probability-based estimate of relatedness or identity by descent. They are related concepts, but they are not interchangeable.
Can I use this tool for dogs, cats and horses?
Yes. This calculator can be used when compatible SNP data are available for dogs, cats and horses.
Why are some markers excluded from the calculation?
Sex-linked markers and invalid or incomplete genotypes are excluded to keep the calculation focused on valid autosomal SNP markers only.
What is the Inbreeding Coefficient (inbreeding coefficient)?
The inbreeding coefficient estimates how genetically similar an animal’s parents are. In dogs, cats and horses, a higher inbreeding coefficient generally reflects lower genetic diversity, while a lower inbreeding coefficient usually indicates greater diversity.
Why inbreeding coefficient matters
inbreeding coefficient helps breeders and owners better understand genetic diversity. It can be useful when planning matings, monitoring breeding programs, and interpreting inherited risk in the broader context of population diversity.
Pedigree inbreeding coefficient vs genomic inbreeding coefficient
A pedigree-based inbreeding coefficient is calculated from recorded ancestry. A genomic inbreeding coefficient is calculated directly from DNA data. Genomic inbreeding coefficient can provide a more direct view of real genetic similarity because it measures variation observed in the animal’s genome.
How we calculate it
Our analysis uses validated SNP markers across the genome to estimate inbreeding and genetic diversity. This SNP-based approach is designed to provide a robust genomic estimate rather than relying only on pedigree records.
Marker quality and standards
We use laboratory-validated DNA markers and quality-controlled genotyping methods. When relevant, our workflows are aligned with recognized genetic testing standards, including ISAG-compatible approaches for marker quality, genotyping reliability, and interpretation.
Important interpretation note
inbreeding coefficient is an estimation tool and should not be interpreted in isolation. The result should be considered together with breed context, pedigree information when available, health screening results, and breeding goals.