additionalType

additionalType · Optional

Appears in

Organization

What is it?

additionalType allows you to specify extra type classifications for an entity beyond its primary @type. It is designed for adding types from external vocabularies, most commonly other schema.org types that are more specific than the declared @type, or external taxonomy URLs.

For an Organization, you might use additionalType to specify that the organization is also a GovernmentOrganization, NGO, Corporation, or any other recognized subtype, without changing the root @type declaration.

Why this matters for AEO

AI answer engines use type information to categorize entities. A healthcare organization with additionalType pointing to MedicalOrganization sends a stronger signal than a generic Organization declaration alone. Knowledge graph systems use type hierarchies to answer classification queries: "is [company] a nonprofit?", "is [company] a government body?".

Adding precise type information via additionalType sharpens entity classification without requiring a complete change of the primary @type.

What the specs say

Schema.org:additionalType expects Text or URL. "An additional type for the item, typically used for adding more specific types from external vocabularies in microdata syntax. This is a relationship between something and a class that the thing is in. Typically the value is a URI-identified RDF class, and in this case corresponds to the use of rdf:type in RDF." [Source: https://schema.org/additionalType]

Google: Not mentioned in Google's structured data documentation for Organization.

How to find your value

Use schema.org type URLs for additional types. Common additional types for Organization:

• Corporation — https://schema.org/Corporation
• NGO — https://schema.org/NGO
• GovernmentOrganization — https://schema.org/GovernmentOrganization
• MedicalOrganization — https://schema.org/MedicalOrganization
• SportsOrganization — https://schema.org/SportsOrganization
• EducationalOrganization — https://schema.org/EducationalOrganization
• NewsMediaOrganization — https://schema.org/NewsMediaOrganization

Format and code

Single additional type (URL form):

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Organization",
  "name": "ACLU",
  "additionalType": "https://schema.org/NGO"
}

Multiple additional types (array):

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Organization",
  "name": "Mayo Clinic",
  "additionalType": [
    "https://schema.org/MedicalOrganization",
    "https://schema.org/EducationalOrganization"
  ]
}

Alternative: use a more specific @type instead:

For schema.org subtypes specifically, changing @type to the more specific type is often preferable:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "NGO",
  "name": "Doctors Without Borders"
}

Invalid, using a non-URL text value for schema.org types:

{
  "@type": "Organization",
  "additionalType": "NGO"
}

When referencing schema.org types, use the full URL (https://schema.org/NGO), not just the type name.

Webflow implementation

Static pages

Add to the Organization JSON-LD block when a more specific type applies:

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Organization",
  "name": "Your Organization",
  "additionalType": "https://schema.org/NGO"
}
</script>

CMS template pages

For directories covering multiple organization types, use a CMS plain text or option field:

"additionalType": "{{wf {"path":"additional-type-url"} }}"

Store the full schema.org URL in the CMS field.

In Schema HQ

The additionalType field configures additionaltype in the organization schema configuration. select from common schema.org subtypes or enter a custom url. is supported

Real examples

Mayo Clinic :*

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Organization",
  "name": "Mayo Clinic",
  "additionalType": [
    "https://schema.org/MedicalOrganization",
    "https://schema.org/EducationalOrganization"
  ]
}

Related fields

• description — textual description of the entity
• disambiguatingDescription — short text that distinguishes from similar entities
• name — primary entity name
• nonprofitStatus — for nonprofits, specific status enumeration

FAQ

When should I use additionalType instead of changing @type?

Change @type when a more specific schema.org type exists and accurately describes the entity (e.g., use @type: NGO instead of @type: Organization with additionalType: NGO). Use additionalType for external vocabularies or when the entity has multiple secondary classifications that do not replace the primary type.

Can additionalType use external vocabulary URLs?

Yes. The field was originally designed for external vocabulary URLs in microdata contexts. You can reference GoodRelations, FIBO, or any other RDF-compatible vocabulary URI. Schema.org-native types are most recognized by search engines.

Does Google use additionalType for rich results?

Google does not explicitly document additionalType for specific rich result types. It contributes to Knowledge Graph classification. For rich results eligibility, the primary @type declaration matters more.