Blood Type Chart and Information on Blood Group Types

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2012/09/28 - Updated: 2023/10/01
Publication Type: Charts / Graphs / Tables
Topic: Medical Calculators and Charts - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Facts and information regarding blood types. Includes charts showing donor compatibility and child blood group according to parents blood type. A blood type (blood group) is defined as the classification of blood based on the presence or absence of inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs).

Introduction

When a person's blood is analyzed under a microscope distinct blood differences are visible. In the early 20th century, an Austrian scientist named Karl Landsteiner classified blood according to those differences. Landsteiner observed two distinct chemical molecules present on the surface of the red blood cells. He labeled one molecule "A" and the other molecule "B".

Focus

Some Quick Facts Regarding Blood Types/Groups

Find out other interesting blood facts in our list of fascinating and amazing human body facts.

Blood Types (Groups)

A blood type (also called a blood group) is defined as the classification of blood based on the presence or absence of inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). A series of related blood types constitutes a blood group system, such as the Rh or ABO system. The frequencies of the ABO and Rh blood types vary from population to population.

There are eight different common blood types, which are determined by the presence or absence of certain antigens, which are substances that can trigger an immune response if they are foreign to the human body. Since some antigens can trigger a patient's immune system to attack the transfused blood, safe blood transfusions depend on careful blood typing and cross-matching. There are 4 major blood groups determined by the presence or absence of two antigens (A and B) on the surface of red blood cells:

Common Blood Types
Blood Group Antigen
A Has only A antigen on red cells (and B antibody in the plasma)
B Has only B antigen on red cells (and A antibody in the plasma)
AB Has both A and B antigens on red cells (but neither A nor B antibody in the plasma)
O Has neither A nor B antigens on red cells (but both A and B antibody are in the plasma)

In addition to the A and B antigens, there is a third antigen called the Rh factor, which can be either present (+) or absent ( - ). In general, Rh negative blood is given to Rh-negative patients, and Rh positive blood or Rh negative blood may be given to Rh positive patients.

Donating Blood by Compatible Type:

Blood types are very important when a blood transfusion is necessary. In a blood transfusion, a patient must receive a blood type compatible with his or her own blood type. If the blood types are not compatible, red blood cells will clump together, making clots that can block blood vessels and cause death.

If two different blood types are mixed together, the blood cells may begin to clump together in the blood vessels, causing a potentially fatal situation. Therefore, it is important that blood types be matched before blood transfusions take place. In an emergency, type O blood can be given because it is most likely to be accepted by all blood types. However, there is still a risk involved.

Compatible Blood Type Donors
Blood Type Donate Blood To Receive Blood From
A+ A+ AB+ A+ A- O+ O-
O+ O+ A+ B+ AB+ O+ O-
B+ B+ AB+ B+ B- O+ O-
AB+ AB+ Everyone
A- A+ A- AB+ AB- A- O-
O- Everyone O-
B- B+ B- AB+ AB- B- O-
AB- AB+ AB- AB- A- B- O-

Paternity Blood Matches

Paternity can be determined by highly accurate tests conducted on blood or tissue samples of the father - or alleged father, mother and child. Before DNA analysis was available, blood types were the most common factor considered in human paternity testing.

In cases of questioned paternity, ABO blood-typing can be used to exclude a man from being a child's father. An example being, a man who has type AB blood could not father a child with type O blood, because he would pass on either the A or the B allele to all of his offspring. The word "allele", an abbreviated term for "allelomorph" meaning "other form", which was used in the early days of genetics to describe variant forms of a gene detected as different phenotypes.

Paternity testing can be especially important when the rights and duties of the father are in issue and a child's paternity is in doubt. Tests can also determine the likelihood of someone being a biological grandparent.

How accurate are Paternity blood type or DNA tests? According to FindLaw these tests have an accuracy range of between 90 to 99%. Below is a chart showing possible blood type of a child according to their parents blood group(s).

Printable Blood Type Charts

Chart showing compatible blood types for receiving blood transfusions.

Continued below image.
Printable chart showing compatible blood types for receiving blood transfusions.
Printable chart showing compatible blood types for receiving blood transfusions.
Continued...

Chart showing possible blood type of a child according to their parents blood group.

Continued below image.
Printable chart showing possible blood type of a child according to their parents blood group.
Printable chart showing possible blood type of a child according to their parents blood group.
Continued...

To print the above chart click "File" and then "Print". Or, use a keyboard shortcut:

Mac: Command-key + p

Windows and Linux: Ctrl + p

In the window that appears, select the destination and change your preferred print settings.

Click "Print".

Author Credentials: Ian is an Australian-born writer, editor, and advocate who currently resides in Montreal, Canada. He is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.

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Citing and References

Founded in 2004, Disabled World (DW) is a leading resource on disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility, supporting the disability community. Learn more on our About Us page.

Cite This Page: Disabled World. (2012, September 28 - Last revised: 2023, October 1). Blood Type Chart and Information on Blood Group Types. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved May 17, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/calculators-charts/blood-chart.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/calculators-charts/blood-chart.php">Blood Type Chart and Information on Blood Group Types</a>: Facts and information regarding blood types. Includes charts showing donor compatibility and child blood group according to parents blood type.

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