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.

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.

Why are Scopus Quartiles Important?

  1. For Researchers: Publishing in Q1 or Q2 journals enhances the visibility and credibility of their work.
  2. For Universities: Institutions use Scopus Quartile data to measure research impact and assess faculty performance.
  3. 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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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

Q4 Journal

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 TitlePublisherCiteScoreSJR
Nature Reviews GeneticsSpringer Nature73.219.454
Nature MaterialsSpringer Nature14.231
Administrative Science QuarterlySAGE Publications14.175
Annals of OncologyElsevier63.011.945
Annual Review of Astronomy and AstrophysicsAnnual Reviews13.670
Journal of Financial EconomicsElsevier13.655
Review of Economic StudiesOxford University Press13.609
ImmunityElsevier13.578

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 TitlePublisherSJRH-index
Frontiers in PsychologyFrontiers Media S.A.0.800184
Frontiers in OncologyFrontiers Media S.A.1.066136
Electronics (Switzerland)MDPI AG0.64483
Annals of Thoracic MedicineMedknow Publications0.56543
Journal of Family and Community MedicineSaudi Arabia Ministry of Health0.53739

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 TitlePublisherSJRH-index
Journal of The Institution of Engineers (India): Series BSpringer India0.31524
Journal of Optics (India)Springer India0.29023
Management and Labour StudiesSAGE Publications0.30116
Exploratory Animal and Medical ResearchWest Bengal Veterinary Alumni Association0.2268
Nucleus (India)Springer India0.43217

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 TitlePublisherSJRH-index
International Journal on Consumer Law and PracticeNational Law School of India University0.1102
International Research Journal of Multidisciplinary TechnovationResearch and Development Section, Sree Vidyanikethan Engineering College0.1105
Journal of Mines, Metals and FuelsBooks and Journals Private Ltd.0.11013
Current Topics in ToxicologyN/A0.1118
International Journal of Development and ConflictN/A0.1114

FAQs About Scopus Quartiles:

What are Scopus Quartiles?

How are Scopus Quartiles determined?

What is the significance of a Q1 journal?

How can I find the quartile ranking of a journal in Scopus?

Why are Scopus Quartiles important for researchers?

Can a journal’s quartile ranking change over time?

What is the difference between CiteScore and Impact Factor?

Are all Scopus-indexed journals assigned a quartile?

How often are Scopus Quartiles updated?

What is the lowest quartile in Scopus?

Can a Q4 journal improve its ranking?

What is the role of Scopus in academic publishing?

How do Scopus Quartiles affect journal selection for publication?

What is the CiteScore percentile?

Are Scopus Quartiles used globally?

How do I access Scopus Quartile information?

What is the difference between Q1 and Q2 journals?

Can a journal be in different quartiles for different subject areas?

What factors influence a journal’s quartile ranking?

How do Scopus Quartiles benefit academic institutions?