Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 journals are quartile rankings used to measure the quality and impact of academic journals.
These rankings are mainly based on Scopus (SJR – SCImago Journal Rank) data.
Journals in the same subject area are divided into four equal groups (quartiles) based on their performance.
Q1 Journals (Top 25%)
• Highest quality journals
• Strong peer-review process
• High citation rates
• International reputation
Best for:
• PhD scholars
• Academic promotions
• High-impact research
Usually:
• Very competitive
• Longer review time
Q2 Journals (25%–50%)
• Good quality and well-recognized
• Moderate to high citation impact
• Faster review compared to Q1
Best for:
• Early-career researchers
• Good balance between quality and acceptance
Q3 Journals (50%–75%)
• Average citation performance
• Suitable for niche or applied research
• Easier acceptance compared to Q1/Q2
Best for:
• Master’s students
• Applied or case-study research
Q4 Journals (Bottom 25%)
• Lowest citation impact in the category
• Often new or regional journals
• Faster publication timelines
How Quartiles Are Calculated
Quartile ranking is based on:
• Citation count
• Journal impact
• Field-specific performance
Important:
A journal’s quartile can change every year based on updated metrics.
Where to Check Journal Quartiles
You can check quartile ranking on:
• SCImago Journal Rank (SJR)
• Scopus Sources list