Compatibility may refer to:

Computing

  • Backward compatibility, in which newer systems can understand data generated by older ones
  • Compatibility card, an expansion card for hardware emulation of another device
  • Compatibility layer, components that allow for non-native support of components
  • Compatibility mode, software mechanism in which a software emulates an older version of software
  • Computer compatibility, of a line of machines
  • IBM PC compatible, computers that are generally similar to the original IBM PC, XT, or AT
  • Forward compatibility, in which older systems can understand data generated by newer ones
  • Hardware compatibility, between different pieces of computer hardware
  • License compatibility, of software licenses
  • Pin compatibility, in devices that have the same functions assigned to the same particular pins
  • Software compatibility, between different pieces of software
  • Software incompatibility
  • Unicode compatibility characters, characters encoded solely to maintain round-trip convertibility with other standards

Science and mathematics

  • Biocompatibility, a description of materials' ability to remain performant in biological tissues
  • Blood compatibility, determines what type of donor blood to use in blood transfusions
  • Compatibility, a property of splits in phylogenetic trees
  • Compatibility (chemical), how stable a substance is when mixed with another substance
  • Compatibility (geochemistry), how readily a particular trace element substitutes for a major element within a mineral
  • Compatibility (mechanics), the study of compatible deformations in continuum mechanics
  • Electromagnetic compatibility, which studies the unintentional generation, propagation, and reception of electromagnetic energy
  • Histocompatibility, the degree of similarity of cell surface proteins between individuals
  • Genetic compatibility, how well the genes of parents function together in their offspring
  • Consistency, logical compatibility between two or more propositions
  • Compatible relation, a binary relation that commutes with each operation of an algebraic structure

Other uses

  • Astrological compatibility, a branch of astrology that studies relationships by comparing natal horoscopes
  • Compatibilism, a philosophical position
  • Interpersonal compatibility, the long-term interaction between two or more individuals in terms of the ease and comfort of communication