Quartile ranking is a method of ranking the best journals based on their research findings and industry value. SCOPUS and some other publications use this as a criterion to judge the work of authors and scholars. Experts highly recommend submitting research papers in SCOPUS Quartile journals due to their industry recognition.
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However, verifying whether or not a journal falls under the Quartile list can be tedious. To understand everything about these quartiles, read this full blog and become an expert at finding authentic SCOPUS Quartile journals.
What are Scopus Quartiles?
Scopus Quartiles are a classification system used to rank academic journals indexed in the Scopus database. Ranking divides journals into four quartiles (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4) based on their CiteScore – a metric that evaluates journal impact by analyzing the average number of citations per document.
- Q1 Journals: Represent the top 25% of journals in a subject area. These are highly reputed, widely cited, and known for their stringent publication standards.
- Q2 Journals: Cover the next 25% (26-50%) and are also recognized for quality, though slightly less competitive than Q1.
- Q3 Journals: Rank in the 51-75% range and cater to specialized or emerging research areas.
- Q4 Journals: Represent the bottom 25% but still hold value for niche academic contributions.
Why are Scopus Quartiles Important?
- For Researchers: Publishing in Q1 or Q2 journals enhances the visibility and credibility of their work.
- For Universities: Institutions use Scopus Quartile data to measure research impact and assess faculty performance.
- For Funding: Funding agencies often prioritize projects published in higher quartile journals.
What is Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 in Scopus Journal?
If you are wondering what is Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 journal list are, keep reading.
More a scientific community values and demands a journal, the better its quartile ranking gets. According to their citation and widespread reputation, SCOPUS divides journals on a ranking known as quartiles. The top 25% of journals in every scientific field are in Q1. These are the highest-quality journals that provide the most value and insights and get the highest citations.
The 25-50% group is from the Q2 journals list. These are valuable and provide a detailed view of various topics. Q3 journals are mostly niche topics and cover a specific angle or perspective through research. These cover 50-75% of the group in journal ranking. Remaining 75-100% group is covered by Q4 journals. These are usually new authors seeking citations and recognition through publishing.
Each of these Quartile rankings has its benefit and purpose in the publishing industry. Based on your expertise and topic preference, you can select a Quartile ranking to publish scientific research paper.
How to Find Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 Journals?
Researchers and authors can use easy way to identify journal quartile (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4).
Follow these tips for quartile-ranking journals.
- Understand Which Quartile Ranking is Best For You
Each quartile is different and has various impacts on the scientific community. You need to understand the quality of your research, topic, and field and then decide which quartile is best for publishing research papers. If you select a quartile that is not aligned with the value of your work, it may block some new opportunities. At the same time, selecting a highly competitive quartile can result in rejection due to various guidelines and quality parameters.
- Start Using Journal Citation Reports
High-authority platforms like Web of Science and SCOPUS provide citations of journals based on impact factors. Visit them and find a list of such journals based on topic or field of study. Simply filter the journals based on Quartile ranking and select your favourite ones.
- Google Scholar Metrics
The journals mentioned in Google Scholar metrics are Q1 and Q2. These are usually in various disciplines, so you can choose according to your requirements.
- Scimago Journal Rankings
The SCIMAGO journal and country rankings categorise journals into quartiles based on the SJR indicator. Based on your name or field area, you can find quartile journals.
- Visit the Libraries and Talk To Experts
University libraries subscribe to an informative database that provides SCOPUS journal rankings for journals. Talk to friends or advisors who may have access to subscription-based resources. This can guide you in finding the quartile rankings of journals in your field.
- Join Online Groups
Various academicians and scholars upload their own list of SCOPUS-certified journals based on quartile rankings. Join Facebook groups, academic forums, and platforms like ResearchGate. Here, experts can recommend journals that meet your requirements.
- Visit Publishers Website
Publishers of various high-performing journals provide information about their journal rankings. These websites also have good contact information and support. You can talk to them or visit the “Journal Metrics” or “Impact Factor” sections. Here, you can find the journals based on quartile information.
- Subscribe to Informative Newsletters
Some organisations and websites send updated newsletters with a list of quarterly rankings and changes in these rankings. You can subscribe to them and understand the impact factor of scientific journals.
How to Check Q1 and Q2 in Scopus?
It is the goal of many authors and writers to publish their work in Q1 and Q2 journals. It is easy to find these quartile journals in SCOPUS. Find the table indicating the quartile ranking of these journals at the bottom of the page. Follow these steps for a better understanding:
- Go to the official SCOPUS website.
- Log in with your personal or organisation account.
- Enter the journal name in the search bar.
- Provide the ISSN or the publisher.
- Select the preferred journal.
What is Quartiles in the Scopus Indexation?
Scopus-indexed journals and publications are sophisticated tools for publishing various research articles in different scientific fields. Each quartile is given a distinction based on the index-factor and maximum citation numbers. They provide an authentic platform to share authors’ research. This helps create a competitive market for good-quality papers that hold industrial value.
Researchers can now add more valuable data to their papers as the criteria for selecting these quartiles are very elite. This helps experts assess the value of journals using the Scopus index. Moreover, it is very helpful for researchers and authors to understand distinct features in Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4. This helps them select the best quartile range to show their findings to the right audience and level of expertise.
Is it Worth Publishing in Q3 or Q4 Journals?
Q3 and Q4 have some benefits that cannot be disregarded in the scientific community. Experts, advanced academicians, and scholars can consider the Q1 and Q2 journals as they require more research experience. If you are a beginner, you can consider publishing your work in Q3 and Q4 journals.
These quartile rankings are on the lower spectrum of the SCOPUS journal ranking. Each of these offers unique benefits that make them a worthy choice for research publishing for the following reasons:
Q3 Journal
- These are good for easily accepting your work due to less competition.
- They have a quick and hassle-free review process and publish your work sooner than Q2 and Q1.
- Q3 can provide good visibility and a targeted and engaging community if you are working on niche-specific research.
- Consistently publishing in Q3 journals can increase your research capabilities.
- This can help you to build a stable publication record for your career.
Q4 Journal
- This is the best journal quartile for new researchers.
- These have very low rejection rates due to less competition.
- Q4 provides a good opportunity to critique your research work by providing feedback.
- These usually cover basic topics so the audience reach can be broad.
- If you have few resources and research avenues, this quartile can provide an entry into the publishing industry.
- For new authors, publishing in Q4 can be a freeing experience that helps them build confidence and belief in their capabilities.
Each SCOPUS Quartile offers a set of benefits that is best suited for various authors and researchers. Easily find a Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 journal by following the steps mentioned in this blog. We hope you get a chance to publish your work and become a SCOPUS-certified author.
Q1 Journal List
Scopus Q1 journals represent the top 25% of journals in their respective fields, indicating high impact and quality. These journals are highly sought after by researchers aiming to publish their work in reputable platforms.
Q1 journals across various disciplines:
| Journal Title | Publisher | CiteScore | SJR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature Reviews Genetics | Springer Nature | 73.2 | 19.454 |
| Nature Materials | Springer Nature | 14.231 | |
| Administrative Science Quarterly | SAGE Publications | 14.175 | |
| Annals of Oncology | Elsevier | 63.0 | 11.945 |
| Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics | Annual Reviews | 13.670 | |
| Journal of Financial Economics | Elsevier | 13.655 | |
| Review of Economic Studies | Oxford University Press | 13.609 | |
| Immunity | Elsevier | 13.578 |
List of Q1 journals, you can refer to the SCImago Journal Rank (SJR) portal, which provides detailed rankings and metrics.
Q2 Journal List
Scopus Q2 journals represent the 26th to 50th percentile in their respective fields, indicating solid academic influence and quality. Publishing in these journals is a commendable achievement for researchers.
Q2 journals across various disciplines:
| Journal Title | Publisher | SJR | H-index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frontiers in Psychology | Frontiers Media S.A. | 0.800 | 184 |
| Frontiers in Oncology | Frontiers Media S.A. | 1.066 | 136 |
| Electronics (Switzerland) | MDPI AG | 0.644 | 83 |
| Annals of Thoracic Medicine | Medknow Publications | 0.565 | 43 |
| Journal of Family and Community Medicine | Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health | 0.537 | 39 |
Q3 Journal List
Scopus Q3 journals represent the 51st to 75th percentile in their respective fields, indicating moderate impact and specialization. Publishing in these journals is a valuable opportunity for researchers, especially those focusing on niche or emerging areas.
Q3 journals across various disciplines:
| Journal Title | Publisher | SJR | H-index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journal of The Institution of Engineers (India): Series B | Springer India | 0.315 | 24 |
| Journal of Optics (India) | Springer India | 0.290 | 23 |
| Management and Labour Studies | SAGE Publications | 0.301 | 16 |
| Exploratory Animal and Medical Research | West Bengal Veterinary Alumni Association | 0.226 | 8 |
| Nucleus (India) | Springer India | 0.432 | 17 |
Q4 Journal List
Scopus Q4 journals represent the bottom 25% of journals in their respective fields, as ranked by the SCImago Journal Rank (SJR) indicator. While these journals may have a lower impact factor compared to higher quartiles, they still contribute valuable research, especially in niche or emerging areas.
Q4 Journals:
| Journal Title | Publisher | SJR | H-index |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Journal on Consumer Law and Practice | National Law School of India University | 0.110 | 2 |
| International Research Journal of Multidisciplinary Technovation | Research and Development Section, Sree Vidyanikethan Engineering College | 0.110 | 5 |
| Journal of Mines, Metals and Fuels | Books and Journals Private Ltd. | 0.110 | 13 |
| Current Topics in Toxicology | N/A | 0.111 | 8 |
| International Journal of Development and Conflict | N/A | 0.111 | 4 |
FAQs About Scopus Quartiles:
What are Scopus Quartiles?
- Scopus Quartiles categorize journals into four groups (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) based on their impact and quality, with Q1 being the highest.
How are Scopus Quartiles determined?
- They are determined using metrics like CiteScore, which measures the average number of citations received per document published in a journal over a three-year period.
What is the significance of a Q1 journal?
- Q1 journal is in the top 25% of journals in its field, indicating high impact and quality.
How can I find the quartile ranking of a journal in Scopus?
- You can find the quartile ranking by searching for the journal on the Scopus website and checking its CiteScore metrics.
Why are Scopus Quartiles important for researchers?
- Quartiles help researchers identify high-quality journals for publishing their work and can influence funding and career advancement.
Can a journal’s quartile ranking change over time?
- Yes, a journal’s quartile ranking can change based on its citation performance and other metrics.
What is the difference between CiteScore and Impact Factor?
- CiteScore is used by Scopus, while Impact Factor is used by Web of Science. Both measure citation impact but use different calculation methods.
Are all Scopus-indexed journals assigned a quartile?
- Yes, all journals indexed in Scopus are assigned a quartile based on their CiteScore.
How often are Scopus Quartiles updated?
- Scopus Quartiles are updated annually based on the latest citation data.
What is the lowest quartile in Scopus?
- Lowest quartile is Q4, which includes journals in the bottom 25% of their field.
Can a Q4 journal improve its ranking?
- Yes, a Q4 journal can improve its ranking by increasing its citation impact and quality.
What is the role of Scopus in academic publishing?
- Scopus is a comprehensive database that indexes a wide range of academic journals, providing metrics like CiteScore to evaluate journal impact.
How do Scopus Quartiles affect journal selection for publication?
- Researchers often prefer publishing in higher quartile journals (Q1 or Q2) to enhance the visibility and impact of their work.
What is the CiteScore percentile?
- The CiteScore percentile indicates the relative standing of a journal within its field, helping to determine its quartile.
Are Scopus Quartiles used globally?
- Yes, Scopus Quartiles are recognized and used by researchers, institutions, and funding bodies worldwide.
How do I access Scopus Quartile information?
- You can access quartile information through the Scopus website or databases like the Scimago Journal Rank (SJR).
What is the difference between Q1 and Q2 journals?
- Q1 journals are in the top 25% of their field, while Q2 journals are in the top 50% but below Q1.
Can a journal be in different quartiles for different subject areas?
- Yes, a journal can have different quartile rankings in different subject areas based on its performance in each field.
What factors influence a journal’s quartile ranking?
- Factors include citation impact, publication quality, and the journal’s reputation within its field.
How do Scopus Quartiles benefit academic institutions?
- Institutions use quartile rankings to assess the quality of research outputs and make informed decisions about funding and resource allocation.
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