Last Updated on July 16, 2026 by Dr. Bhagat
Indexing & Databases·Updated June 2026
Scopus vs Web of Science: Differences & Which Is Better
The two databases that decide which citation metrics you get — how their coverage diverges, and why your h-index is not the same in each.
BackgroundWhat each database is
Web of Science traces back to the Science Citation Index created by Eugene Garfield in the 1960s. Its selective, curated core collection is the data behind the Journal Citation Reports and the Impact Factor.
Scopus, launched by Elsevier in 2004, took a broader-coverage approach. It now indexes more journals, conference papers, and book series than Web of Science. Both are paid, institutional databases — distinct from the free, uncurated Google Scholar.
| Feature | Web of Science | Scopus |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Clarivate | Elsevier |
| Launched | 1960s (SCI lineage) | 2004 |
| Coverage | More selective | Broader (more titles) |
| Flagship metrics | Impact Factor, JCI | CiteScore, SJR, SNIP |
| Quartiles from | JCR (Impact Factor) | CiteScore & SJR |
| Strength | Long backfile, prestige | Breadth, non-English & applied |
| Access | Subscription | Subscription |
Source: Clarivate and Elsevier official documentation, 2025.
MetricsWhich metrics come from which database
Web of Science by Clarivate produces: Journal Impact Factor, JCR quartile, Journal Citation Indicator (JCI), Eigenfactor Score, and Article Influence Score.
Scopus by Elsevier produces: CiteScore, SCImago Journal Rank (SJR), and SNIP (Source Normalized Impact per Paper).
Because the two databases index different sets of journals and count citations differently, your h-index in Web of Science will almost always be lower than your h-index in Scopus or Google Scholar. Always specify which database you are quoting.
Practical useWhich database to use when
Use Web of Science when your institution requires JCR data, when you need the longest historical backfile, or when you are evaluating journals for tenure and promotion where Impact Factor is the standard.
Use Scopus when you need broader coverage of newer journals, when you work in applied or interdisciplinary fields, or when you need free metrics like CiteScore for preliminary screening.
Key Takeaways
- Web of Science is older and more selective; Scopus is broader and newer.
- Web of Science produces the Impact Factor; Scopus produces CiteScore, SJR, and SNIP.
- Both are subscription databases; neither is free.
- Your h-index will differ between the two databases.
- Most institutions accept both; choose based on your specific need.
FAQPeople also ask
Is Web of Science better than Scopus?
Not universally. WoS has deeper historical coverage and stronger prestige associations. Scopus has broader current coverage and better representation of applied fields. The best choice depends on your discipline and purpose.
Do all journals have both an Impact Factor and a CiteScore?
No. Many journals have one but not the other. Scopus indexes more journals than Web of Science, so more journals have CiteScore than Impact Factor.
Can I access these databases for free?
Both require institutional subscriptions. Some universities provide remote access to affiliates. Google Scholar is a free alternative, but it is uncurated and less reliable.
Which database should I use for my literature review?
Use both if possible. For comprehensive coverage, also include Google Scholar. For systematic reviews, use the database most relevant to your field and check PRISMA guidelines.
Why is my h-index different in Scopus and Web of Science?
Because each database indexes different journals and counts different citations. Scopus typically includes more sources, so h-indexes there are often higher.
SourcesReferences & further reading
- Web of Science — Official Clarivate platform.
- Scopus — Official Elsevier platform.
- Web of Science Master Journal List — Verify WoS indexing.
FAQFrequently Asked Questions About Scopus vs Web of Science
Which database is better for citation counts?
It depends on your field. Scopus covers more journals and conference papers, often yielding higher citation counts. Web of Science is more selective and may provide more conservative but prestigious counts. For comprehensive evaluation, check both.
Why is my h-index different in Scopus and Web of Science?
Each database indexes different sets of publications. Scopus includes more conference papers and books. Web of Science focuses on core journal literature. The different coverage leads to different citation counts and thus different h-index values.
Can I access these databases for free?
Both are subscription databases. Most university libraries provide access to their affiliates. Scopus offers limited free tools (like the Author Preview), and some bibliometric data is available through free alternatives like Google Scholar.
Researcher’s GuideHow to Choose Between Scopus and Web of Science
Choose Web of Science when: You need the Impact Factor for tenure files, want the most selective indexing, or work in a traditional discipline where WoS coverage is comprehensive.
Choose Scopus when: You want broader coverage (especially for engineering and social sciences), need CiteScore/SJR/SNIP metrics, or are doing interdisciplinary research.
Pro Tip: Many institutions now recognize both databases. When preparing evaluation documents, include metrics from both if possible. This demonstrates thoroughness and provides a more complete picture of your research impact.