Last Updated on July 16, 2026 by Dr. Bhagat
Journal Metrics·Updated June 2026
Journal Quartiles Explained: Q1, Q2, Q3 & Q4 Rankings
A clear explanation of Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 journal quartiles, how they are calculated, and why they vary by subject category.
SectionJournal quartiles
within a subject category into four equal groups by a citation metric. Q1 is the top 25%, Q2 the next 25% (25–50%), Q3 the 50–75% band, and Q4 the bottom 25%. Quartiles are field-specific , so the same journal can be Q1 in one category and Q2 in another.
SectionDefinition
A quartile is a position, not a score. Databases take every journal in a given subject category, rank them by a citation metric, and then cut the ranked list into four equal slices. The slice a journal lands in is its quartile.
Because the ranking is relative, a quartile tells you how a journal stands against its direct competitors in that field — not against all journals everywhere. How a subject category is split into four quartiles All journals in a subject category, ranked by citation metric Q1
SectionTop 25%
Tenure, grants, flagship submissions Q2 25–50% Strong, well-regarded journals Solid target for most quality work Q3 50–75% Moderate impact, often international Good fit for early-career or niche studies Q4
SectionBottom 25%
Entry-level; verify legitimacy first Bands hold an equal number of journals each — a quartile reflects rank, not an absolute quality threshold.
SectionMethod
The mechanics are simple. Within a subject category of N journals ranked by a metric, a journal at rank r falls into a quartile based on its position: Top 25% of ranks → Q1 Next 25% → Q2 Next 25% → Q3 Bottom 25% → Q4
Key Takeaways
- Quartiles divide journals into four equal groups.
- Q1=top 25%, Q2=25–50%, Q3=50–75%, Q4=bottom 25%.
- Same journal can have different quartiles per category.
- JCR and Scopus quartiles may differ.
FAQPeople also ask
Can a journal be Q1 in one category and Q2 in another?
Yes. Quartiles are field-specific.
What is the difference between JCR and Scopus quartiles?
JCR uses Impact Factor; Scopus uses CiteScore or SJR.
Is Q4 always bad?
Not necessarily. Q4 journals may be newer or niche.
How do I check a journal’s quartile?
Use JCR or the SCImago portal.
SourcesReferences & further reading
Practical GuideHow to Check a Journal’s Quartile
Verifying a journal’s quartile ranking is essential before submitting your manuscript. Here is how to do it:
- Access JCR or Scopus through your university library.
- Search for the journal by name or ISSN.
- Identify the subject category relevant to your research.
- Check the quartile column (Q1, Q2, Q3, or Q4) for that category.
- Note the metric used — JCR uses Impact Factor; Scopus uses CiteScore or SJR.
Remember: a journal can be Q1 in one category and Q2 in another. Always verify the category that matches your field.
Common MistakesMisunderstandings About Quartiles
- Assuming Q1 means “top journal”: Q1 simply means top 25% by citation metric, not necessarily top quality. Content quality and fit matter more.
- Comparing across databases: JCR Q1 and Scopus Q1 are calculated differently. A journal can be Q1 in one and Q2 in the other.
- Ignoring journal size: Quartiles are percentage-based. A niche journal with few papers can be Q1 if its IF is high relative to its small category.
- Not checking the year: Quartiles change annually. Always use the most recent data available.
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Is Q1 always better than Q2?
Generally yes for citation impact, but not always for your specific needs. A Q2 journal that is highly specialized and widely read in your niche may be a better publishing target than a general Q1 journal.
Can a journal be Q1 in multiple categories?
Yes, if the journal is indexed in multiple subject categories and ranks in the top 25% in each, it can be Q1 in all of them.
Do quartiles apply to conferences or only journals?
Quartiles are primarily used for journals. Conference rankings (A*, A, B, C) are a separate system used mainly in computer science.
Where can I find quartile data for free?
Scopus provides free access to CiteScore quartiles on its public journal pages. JCR requires a subscription but is the gold standard for Impact Factor-based quartiles.
