Your blood type determines which blood you can safely receive during a transfusion and who you can donate to. ABO blood groups and the Rh factor together create 8 common blood types, each with specific compatibility rules.
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Red Blood Cell Transfusion Compatibility
✓ = Compatible | Row = Recipient | Column = Donor
| Recipient ↓ / Donor → | A+ | A− | B+ | B− | AB+ | AB− | O+ | O− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| A− | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| B+ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| B− | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| AB+ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| AB− | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| O+ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| O− | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
How to Use the Blood Type Compatibility Chart
This blood type compatibility chart shows which blood types can donate to and receive from each other for red blood cell transfusions. Select your blood type from the dropdown for a quick summary, or reference the full compatibility table.
Understanding ABO and Rh Blood Types
The ABO system classifies blood into four groups (A, B, AB, O) based on antigens on red blood cell surfaces. The Rh factor adds positive (+) or negative (−) to create 8 common blood types. Transfusions of incompatible blood cause an immune reaction that can be life-threatening.
Universal Donor and Recipient
O negative (O−) is the universal donor — it can be given to anyone regardless of blood type. This makes it essential in emergency situations before a patient's type is known. AB positive (AB+) is the universal recipient — people with AB+ can receive blood from any type. AB plasma donors are universal plasma donors because AB plasma lacks anti-A and anti-B antibodies.
FAQ
Is this blood type chart free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required.
What is the universal donor blood type?
O negative (O-) is the universal donor for red blood cell transfusions because it lacks A, B, and Rh antigens. It can be given to patients of any blood type in emergencies. O positive (O+) can donate to all Rh-positive recipients (A+, B+, AB+, O+).
What is the universal recipient blood type?
AB positive (AB+) is the universal recipient for red blood cells. People with AB+ blood can receive blood from any ABO and Rh type. AB positive donors can only donate to other AB+ individuals.
Can parents with type O blood have a type AB child?
No. Two O-type parents (genotype OO × OO) can only produce O-type children. To have an AB child, at least one parent must carry an A or B allele. AB parents have genotype AB and can produce A, B, or AB children, but not O.
Does blood type affect organ donation compatibility?
Yes. ABO compatibility is critical for most solid organ transplants (kidney, liver, heart). The blood types must be compatible between donor and recipient to prevent rejection. Some organs (like lungs) have more flexibility. Kidney and heart transplants have strict ABO matching requirements.
What is Rh factor and why does it matter in pregnancy?
Rh factor is a protein on red blood cells. If an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus, the mother's immune system may produce antibodies against fetal blood (Rh incompatibility). This can cause hemolytic disease in subsequent pregnancies. Rh immunoglobulin (RhoGAM) is administered to prevent this.