Last Updated on July 16, 2026 by Dr. Bhagat
Research Guides·Updated June 2026
How to Check a Journal’s Quartile (Q1–Q4) in Scopus and Web of Science
Two major ranking systems, two different Q1–Q4 classifications — how to find them and what to do when they disagree.
SystemHow quartiles are assigned
In both JCR and SCImago, journals within each subject category are divided into four equal groups based on their metric score. Q1 is the top 25%, Q2 is 26–50%, Q3 is 51–75%, and Q4 is the bottom 25%.
Critical nuance: quartile rankings are relative within a subject category, not absolute across all journals. A Q1 journal in a narrowly defined niche category is in the top 25% of that category’s journals — which may be quite different from the top 25% of all journals globally.
JCRFinding quartiles in Web of Science
URL: jcr.clarivate.com. Requires institutional subscription.
Step 1: Navigate to JCR and log in with institutional credentials.
Step 2: In the search bar, type the journal name or ISSN.
Step 3: Click on the journal from search results.
Step 4: In the journal record, look for the “JCR Quartile” or “Quartile” field. It is displayed per category — note that a journal in multiple categories will have different quartiles for each.
ScopusFinding quartiles in SCImago
URL: scimagojr.com. Completely free, no login required.
Step 1: Go to scimagojr.com and enter the journal name in the search box.
Step 2: Click the journal name in the results.
Step 3: On the journal profile page, look for the “Quartiles” section. SCImago shows quartiles by category and by year. You can toggle between SJR-based and CiteScore-based quartiles.
DisagreementWhen the two systems differ
A journal can be Q1 in JCR and Q2 in SCImago, or vice versa. This happens because the two systems use different metrics (Impact Factor vs SJR/CiteScore), different category definitions, and different journal coverage. Neither is “wrong” — they are measuring different things.
| Reason for difference | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Different metric | JCR uses Impact Factor; SCImago uses SJR or CiteScore |
| Different categories | Subject category boundaries differ between systems |
| Different coverage | JCR and Scopus index different journal sets |
| Different window | Impact Factor is 2-year; CiteScore is 4-year |
Source: JCR and SCImago documentation
For formal evaluations, use whichever system the committee or funder specifies. If they do not specify, report both and explain the difference. Transparency is better than cherry-picking the more favorable ranking.
Key Takeaways
- Quartiles rank journals within a subject category, not across all journals.
- JCR quartiles are based on the Impact Factor; SCImago uses SJR or CiteScore.
- SCImago is free and covers more journals than JCR.
- A journal can have different quartiles in different categories and different systems.
- When rankings differ, report both and explain the methodological differences.
FAQPeople also ask
Is Q1 always better than Q2?
Within the same category and system, yes. Q1 means the journal is in the top 25% by that metric. However, a Q1 in a small niche category may not be as prestigious as a Q2 in a large, competitive category.
Can a journal be Q1 in one category and Q3 in another?
Yes. A multidisciplinary journal can appear in multiple subject categories and have different quartiles in each. Both rankings are simultaneously valid.
Which system is more authoritative?
JCR is older and more recognized in formal evaluation contexts. SCImago is broader, free, and often more up-to-date. The “more authoritative” system depends on who is asking and for what purpose.
Do quartiles change every year?
Yes. Quartiles are recalculated annually based on the latest citation data. A journal can move from Q1 to Q2 (or vice versa) as the field evolves.
SourcesReferences & further reading
Step-by-StepHow to Check Quartiles in Scopus and JCR
Method 1: SCImago (Free)
1. Go to scimagojr.com.
2. Search for your journal by title or ISSN.
3. Scroll to “Subject Area and Category” — quartiles are displayed as Q1, Q2, Q3, or Q4 for each category.
Method 2: JCR (Requires subscription)
1. Go to jcr.clarivate.com.
2. Search for the journal by title or ISSN.
3. Click on the journal name to see its rank and quartile in each subject category.
Method 3: Scopus Source List (Requires access)
1. Log into Scopus through your institution.
2. Go to Sources and search for the journal.
3. CiteScore quartiles are displayed in the journal profile.
Common MistakesHow NOT to Use Quartiles
Mistake 1: Comparing Q1 across different systems. A journal that is Q1 in JCR may be Q2 in Scopus. Always specify which database you are citing.
Mistake 2: Ignoring category differences. A journal can be Q1 in one category and Q3 in another. “Q1” is meaningless without knowing the category.
Mistake 3: Treating Q4 as predatory. Q4 simply means the journal is in the bottom 25% of its category by citation metric. Many legitimate, well-respected journals are Q4 in broad categories with many high-impact competitors.
Mistake 4: Using outdated quartiles. Quartiles change annually as journal metrics shift. A journal that was Q1 last year may be Q2 this year.
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Which quartile system should I use for my tenure application?
Follow your institution’s guidelines. Some universities specify JCR quartiles; others accept Scopus CiteScore quartiles. If no system is specified, JCR quartiles are generally considered more prestigious in most fields.
Can a journal be Q1 in both JCR and Scopus?
Yes, many top journals are Q1 in both systems. However, discrepancies are common, especially for interdisciplinary journals or journals on the border between quartiles.
What is the difference between CiteScore quartile and SJR quartile?
Both are from Scopus but use different metrics. CiteScore quartiles are based on the CiteScore metric (3-year citation window), while SJR quartiles use the SJR metric, which weights citations by journal prestige.
Do quartiles apply to all journals?
No. Only journals indexed in the respective databases receive quartile assignments. Journals not indexed in JCR or Scopus have no official quartile ranking.
How often do quartiles change?
Quartiles are updated annually when new metrics are released (JCR in June, Scopus CiteScore typically in June as well). A journal’s quartile can change from year to year.