Blood Quantum Calculator
The Blood Quantum Calculator estimates your Blood Quantum Percentage based on your ancestor's blood degree and the number of generations back. This tool helps individuals of Native American descent verify their legal standing for tribal enrollment and federal benefits. Whether you are applying for a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood, researching family history, or checking eligibility for specific tribe requirements, this tool provides precise calculations to guide your next steps.
How Blood Quantum Percentage Is Calculated
Blood Quantum Percentage represents the portion of your biological ancestry originating from a specific Native American lineage. This tool uses the exponential dilution method to determine how heritage is mathematically distributed across generations.
The calculation relies on dividing the ancestor's blood percentage by powers of two. By identifying the source ancestor and counting the generations separating you from them, you can determine your legal blood degree. This method ensures accuracy when applying for a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood or tribal membership.
Blood Quantum = Ancestral % ÷ 2^generations
Where:
- Ancestral % is the blood quantum of your enrolled ancestor.
- Generations is the number of generations between you and that ancestor.
What Your Blood Quantum Percentage Means
Your result is a legal metric used by tribes and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to determine citizenship eligibility and access to services.
Tribal Enrollment: If your result is 25% (1/4) or higher, you likely meet the strict requirements of nations like the Navajo Nation. Lower percentages, such as 1/16 (6.25%), may still qualify you depending on the specific tribe's constitution.
Federal Benefits: A verified blood quantum often determines eligibility for Indian Health Service (IHS) healthcare and Bureau of Indian Affairs scholarships.
Genealogy: This number validates your family history and connects you to specific ancestors on federal rolls.
Important: Many tribes now use "Lineal Descent" instead of blood quantum, meaning any amount of blood suffices if you prove direct ancestry. Always check the specific tribe's laws.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tribal enrollment criteria vary, so always consult the specific tribe’s enrollment office or a legal professional for official verification.
Keep all birth certificates and lineage documents organized to support your application and verify your calculation.