Last Updated on July 16, 2026 by Dr. Bhagat
JOURNAL METRICS·Updated June 2026
The Lancet Impact Factor 2025
The Lancet Impact Factor 2025 is 109.0 (Q1, General & Internal Medicine, Elsevier). Founded in 1823, The Lancet is one of the oldest and most influential medical journals in the world, shaping global health policy and clinical practice across every continent.
EDITORIAL CONTEXTA Two-Hundred-Year Legacy
First published in 1823, The Lancet (ISSN: 0140-6736) is Elsevier’s flagship medical journal and arguably the most storied title in medical publishing. Its name references the surgical instrument, signaling a commitment to cutting through medical complexity to deliver evidence that changes practice. Over two centuries, The Lancet has published landmark trials, sparked global health initiatives, and held the medical establishment accountable through investigative reporting.
The journal’s Impact Factor of 109.0 places it among the absolute pinnacle of scientific publishing. This extraordinary metric reflects not merely the volume of citations but the transformative influence of the research it publishes. A single Lancet paper can reshape treatment guidelines, redirect funding priorities, and alter the trajectory of public health policy worldwide.
IMPACT METRICSDissecting a 109.0 Impact Factor
| Year | Impact Factor | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 81.5 | → |
| 2021 | 87.2 | ↑ |
| 2022 | 92.7 | ↑ |
| 2023 | 97.7 | ↑ |
| 2024 | 103.6 | ↑ |
| 2025 | 109.0 | ↑ |
The trajectory from 81.5 to 109.0 in just five years represents one of the steepest climbs in medical publishing. The inflection point around 2022–2023 coincides with the journal’s extensive COVID-19 and global health equity coverage, which generated extraordinary citation velocity. The Lancet’s ability to publish research that transcends academia and enters policy discourse is what sustains this metric.
Key Takeaways
- The Lancet’s 109.0 Impact Factor for 2025 is among the highest of any medical journal globally.
- A CiteScore of 89.5 and SJR of 22.1 confirm its dominance across multiple bibliometric systems.
- Founded in 1823, it remains the gold standard for clinical evidence and global health commentary.
- The journal publishes clinical trials, reviews, and health policy analysis that shapes medical practice worldwide.
RESEARCH FOCUSWhat The Lancet Publishes
The Lancet’s editorial remit spans the entirety of human health. Original research encompasses randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and health systems research. The journal is also renowned for its series papers, commissions, and collaborations with international health agencies including the WHO. Its weekly editions combine rigorous peer review with a willingness to tackle politically sensitive health issues.
IF METHODOLOGYWhat the Impact Factor Measures
The Impact Factor is computed as the ratio of citations in the reporting year to citable items published in the two preceding years. For a journal of The Lancet’s stature, the 109.0 figure reflects not just frequency of citation but the journal’s role as a primary reference point for clinical medicine worldwide. Critics note that IF favors review-heavy journals; The Lancet counters this by maintaining a high proportion of original research.
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
What is The Lancet Impact Factor 2025?
The 2025 Impact Factor is 109.0, making it one of the highest-ranked medical journals in the world.
Is The Lancet a Q1 journal?
Yes, it is ranked Q1 in General & Internal Medicine.
Who owns and publishes The Lancet?
The Lancet is published by Elsevier, with editorial independence guaranteed.
How does it compare to the NEJM?
Both are elite general medical journals. In 2025, The Lancet IF of 109.0 compares closely with NEJM, and the choice between them often depends on geographic and topical alignment.
What types of articles does The Lancet publish?
Clinical trials, large-scale observational studies, review articles, health policy analyses, and commentary pieces.
