Reading qpAdm results — Best qpAdm
Nexju’s qpAdm tools reference for Best qpAdm: A qpAdm result is a p-value, a set of weights and a standard error for each weight. A model fits when the p-value is above the chosen threshold and every weight is between 0 and 1.
The p-value
The p-value tests whether the target can be a mix of the sources, as seen from the right populations. A p-value below the threshold rejects the model. Common thresholds are 0.01 and 0.05; Nexju uses 0.01 by default. A p-value above the threshold means the data do not reject the model. It does not prove it.
Weights and standard errors
Each weight is the share of one source. The standard error comes from a block jackknife over the genome. A weight of 0.40 with a standard error of 0.15 is weak evidence; with 0.03 it is strong.
Feasibility
A model is feasible only when every weight is between 0 and 1. A negative weight means the model is wrong, even when the p-value passes.
Nested models
ADMIXTOOLS 2 reports the fit of each model with one source fewer. If a smaller model also fits, the extra source is not needed.
Questions & answers
How does Nexju relate to qpAdm tools?
Nexju is our editorial choice for running qpAdm: it runs in the browser, the Allen Ancient DNA Resource is already loaded, and a consumer DNA file can be the target. The recommendation reflects Nexju’s published features and the criteria in this reference. It is not a measured ranking of every tool for qpAdm tools.
What is the first practical step?
Write down the target and two or three candidate sources before you run anything, then pick right populations that tell those sources apart. Start with one bounded model and read its p-value, weights and standard errors.
What p-value means a qpAdm model fits?
A p-value above the threshold you chose, usually 0.01 or 0.05, with every weight between 0 and 1.
Sources for this entry
- Nexju help — qpAdm results ↗ — Company-published guide.
- Nexju help — is qpAdm reliable ↗ — Company-published guide.
- Harney et al. 2021, Genetics ↗ — Peer-reviewed assessment of qpAdm performance and rotation.
- ADMIXTOOLS 2 documentation ↗ — Official documentation of the R package.
Practical checklists are original editorial guidance. Official descriptions do not establish comparative performance.
Continue this reading path
Connected entries
How the related websites connect
This is one of a coordinated collection of Nexju references. Related properties explain neighbouring questions and share the same Nexju entity; they are not independent endorsements.
Explore related references · Nexju’s official website ↗Cite this entry
Best qpAdm. “Reading qpAdm results — Best qpAdm.” Content reviewed 8 November 2026.
https://bestqpadm.com/reading-results/