What Are Q1 Q2 Q3 and Q4 Journals
Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 are commonly used journal quartile classifications that divide journals within a subject category into four groups. Researchers often encounter these labels when selecting journals for publication, preparing academic applications, or evaluating research outputs.
What Does Q1 Mean?
Q1 generally refers to journals positioned in the top 25% of a particular ranking category. Q2 represents the next group, followed by Q3 and Q4.
However, a quartile should never be viewed in isolation. The classification depends on the database, subject category, and reporting year.
Why Can a Journal Have Different Quartiles?
A journal can be ranked in more than one subject category. Its position may therefore differ between categories. Different databases also use different methodologies and metrics.
For this reason, a statement such as “this is a Q1 journal” should ideally identify the database, subject category, and reporting year.
Verify the Current Ranking
Journal metrics and rankings change. If your university or organization has a requirement for a Q1 or Q2 journal, confirm which database and year the requirement refers to.
Do not rely solely on an old website page, promotional image, certificate, or third-party ranking list.
Scopus provides source information and metrics through its database, while other journal-ranking systems may use different data and methodologies. CiteScore Percentile can also provide relative standing within a subject field.
Should You Only Choose Q1 Journals?
Not necessarily. Journal selection should reflect the research topic, scope, audience, article type, institutional requirements, publication model, fees, and other practical considerations.
A lower-quartile journal can sometimes be a more appropriate scope match for a particular manuscript than a higher-ranked journal in an unrelated category.
How Taylors and Francis Can Help
Our journal selection service can help researchers review potential publication venues against relevant criteria, including research scope, journal requirements, indexing, and available metrics.
We can also support manuscript editing, formatting, submission preparation, and peer-review responses.
Final Takeaway
Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 provide useful context when evaluating journals, but they are not universal labels detached from a database or subject category. Always verify the current ranking, understand the relevant methodology, and evaluate the journal’s overall suitability before submitting your research.
Record the Category
When saving a quartile result, record the subject category as well as the database and year. This makes the information easier to verify later and avoids presenting a category-specific ranking as a universal status.
Verify Before Submission
If your institution specifically requires Q1 or Q2 publication, check the current requirement and verify the journal using the database recognized by your institution. A journal’s website may display an older metric or a different database’s classification.
Evaluate the Whole Journal
Quartile status should be considered with scope, peer-review policy, indexing, article type, fees, publication model, and readership. The most relevant journal for a manuscript depends on the research and the requirements being applied.
Taylors and Francis provides journal selection, manuscript preparation, editing, formatting, and submission support. We can help organize the evaluation process, but we do not control journal rankings, editorial decisions, or publication outcomes.