Can you explain what once and twice removed means when referring to cousins? 3rd cousin twice removed?

Question

What does once or twice removed mean when referring to cousins down the line in a family tree? Please give detailed examples.

Answer 1

The children of your parents' brothers and sisters are your first cousins. The children of your first cousins are your first cousins once removed. The grandchildren of your first cousins are your first cousins twice removed. And so on. Your children and the children of your first cousins are each other's second cousins. Your grandchildren and the grandchildren of your first cousins are each other's third cousins. And so on. Your children and your first cousins' grandchildren are each other's second cousins once removed. Your children and your first cousins' great-grandchildren are second cousins twice removed. And so on.

Answer 2

If you share grandparents but have different parents you are first cousins

If you share great grandparents but have different grandparents you are second cousins

If you share great-great grandparents but have different great grandparents you are third cousins

Your first cousin's child and you are first cousins once removed (one generation difference between)

Your first cousin's grandchild and you are first cousins twice removed (two generations difference between)

Your parent's first cousin and you are first cousins once removed (one generation difference between)

Your grandparent's first cousin and you are first cousins twice removed (two generations difference between)

Your second cousin's child and you are second cousins once removed (one generation difference between)

Your second cousin's grandchild and you are second cousins twice removed (two generations difference between)

Your parent's second cousin and you are second cousins once removed (one generation difference between)

Your grandparent's second cousin and you are second cousins twice removed (two generations difference between)

You can find a good Table of Consanguinity (Cousin Chart) online.