The quartile of a journal depends on the database and the specific metric used within that database. As a result, a journal’s quartile may vary across different databases (e.g., WoS and Scopus) and even within the same database when different metrics are applied (e.g., Scopus and SCImago within the Scopus database).
Different quartiles across databases: The WoS and Scopus databases differ in both the number of journals they include and the specific journals they index. Since quartiles are determined based on ranking within each database, it is unsurprising that a journal’s quartile in WoS may not match its quartile in Scopus.
Different quartiles within the same database: In the Scopus database, journals are ranked using two different metrics—CiteScore (Scopus) and SJR (SCImago). Since these metrics are calculated using different evaluation methods, their rankings, and consequently their quartiles, do not align.
Different quartiles in WoS
The Web of Science (WoS) database utilizes two main metrics—Journal Impact Factor (JIF) and Journal Citation Indicator (JCI). However, since 2023, JCI has been largely disregarded, with JIF serving as the primary ranking metric. The quartile in WJI is determined based on JIF rankings. Similar to Scopus, WoS now updates its data monthly. However, unlike Scopus, these monthly updates can also alter journal rankings.
During each monthly update, some journals may be removed from WoS while others are newly added, leading to changes in the database and affecting rankings. To establish a consistent ranking system despite these fluctuations, WoS also conducts an annual update at the end of June. The quartile data in WJI is based on this permanent (yearly) update.
Ensuring the Quality of a Journal When Using WJI
To verify a journal’s quality with WJI, check its status on WJI and cross-reference it with MJL, Scopus, and SCImago whenever possible. Our website provides direct access to these checks—simply use the buttons at the bottom of each journal’s page.
If a journal appears in both WJI and MJL, it is considered stable in WoS. Additionally, we recommend checking its status on Scopus and SCImago for a more comprehensive quality assessment.