How to find Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 journals?

October 24, 2025

Journal and Publication

The publications where you choose to publish your research work influence the exposure, reliability, and, in turn, the impact of your scholarly work. For journal quality assessment, many researchers and investigators rely on the quartile ranking system—Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4—based on citation counts from databases such as Scopus and Web of Science.

These quartiles classify journals across a discipline (Q1 being the top 25%, Q4 the bottom). This is why every scholar, researcher, and others look for q1, q2, q3, q4 journal list so they can publish in the best journal.

In this blog, we have discussed the best ways to find Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 journals. Also, you will know about their importance. Keep reading!

What does Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 really mean?

In publishing research, Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 all refer to the quartile that a particular journal occupies when it is compared to other journals in a similar area of study based on impact or citation performance. These are based on citation indices such as Scopus (with the SCImago Journal Rank – SJR) or Web of Science (using Journal Citation Reports – JCR).

Q1 (Top 25%) – These are the most reputable and prestigious journals in their fields. They have the highest impact factor or SJR scores, they attract high-quality research, and are heavily cited.

Q2 (25%–50%) – The publications in this ranking group are well-established and high-cited sources, yet they are just a little less competitive than Q1 journals. They are still seen as substantial, respected publications.

Q3 (50–75%): Middle; the tabulation would include journals with moderate quality. Most of them are dedicated to sub or specialized research areas and get lower citation rates than high-ranked journals.

Q4 (75%–100%) – These are the lowest-ranking journals in a category. Though they still publish peer-reviewed papers, these tend to be less visible, are cited less often, and have comparatively little impact.

In other words, quartile rankings are a way for researchers to gauge the quality of journals as well as their visibility and credibility – they inform them where to publish their work so that it will have the widest reach and be taken most seriously.

Importance of Publishing in Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 Journals

The quartile ranking (Q1–Q4) of a journal acts as an indicator of its quality, influence, and reach within a discipline. Let’s find out what their importance is!

Enhances recognition and credibility 

Q1 and Q2 journals are known for their high impact, and many such journals worldwide gain attention for publishing groundbreaking research. Getting published in these journals raises your profile and sends a signal for your academic excellence among other researchers and institutions.

Higher citation potential

Papers in the top-quartile journals (especially in Q1) have a good chance to be well-read and cited. This means your research will be more visible, which enhances your professional reputation and signals academic excellence to peers, institutions, and funding agencies.

Provide authenticity and reputation

You can make your research authentic by publishing in high-ranking journals like Q1 and Q2 journals. It shows the quality of your research to funding agencies, universities, and fellow researchers.

Grow your career

Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 journals can give you academic promotions, approvals, and research collaborations. If your paper is published in Q1 or Q2 journals, you may frequently be given preference for academic promotions, grants, and collaborations. Many universities and funding councils assess candidates based on the quality of journals in which they have been published, rather than volume alone.

Focus on the right audience

Every journal quartile holds a different audience. Even Q3 and Q4 journals play an important role — especially for early-career researchers or niche disciplines. And, Q1 is more important than Q2 for global reach.

Smart research submission

Identifying the right quartile journal helps you avoid repeated rejections. It prevents the mismatching of your research quality and the target journal.

How to Find a Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 Journal

You can find the right journal for your research paper by using smart preparation and authentic resources. Here are a few steps to follow.

Step 1: Identify your research field/subject area

Firstly, define your research topic for which you want to search the journal. Identify the keywords and subfield before searching. Make a journal list that matches your publishing research paper.  You can use the Q1 and Q2 journals list to find the top journals. It can help you in making the journal list according to your subject area.

Step 2: Use Scopus (Sources) or SCImago to find the journal

Scopus sources can help you provide a complete list of journals, including the Scopus Q1 journal list. Whereas Scimago Journal Rank (SJR) provides you Scopus quartiles q1 q2 q3 and q4 journals list free. These lists have quartile ranking, citations, and impact factors. You can search the journals in the lists by your subject field and research niche.

Step 3: Use the provided lists (web or PDF)

You can also download the Q1 q2 q3 q4 journal list PDF from authentic websites. Some academic databases and institutions provide free q1, q2, q3, q4 journal list Web of Science. You can use it to search the journals. Always keep a backup copy of the lists for reference and smooth access.

Step 4: Filter journals by Quartile when searching

If you are seeking high impact for your research work, then focus on the Scopus Q1 journals. For the competition and research scope, you can check the Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 journals. The filtering of journals saves your time and filters out potential journals for your research submission.

Step 5: Record your findings and keep checking

Always keep a record of your journal findings so that you can check them anytime, anywhere. To record your findings, you can make a spreadsheet of journals with Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4.

Also mention the impact factor, like Scopus impact factor list of journals, submission guidelines, scope, and publisher information. Keep checking your saved list for accuracy because the quartile updates annually.

How to Check Your Journal in Research Databases

Checking your preferred journal keeps it reputable and indexed. You can check your journals in research databases by using these sources.

Scopus sources

In Scopus sources, you can search for the journal by its name. Then you can check its quartile, scope, and subject field. Also, check if the journal is indexed or not.

Web of Science (WoS)Web of Science (WoS)

You can use the q1, q2, q3, q4 journal list in Web of Science to check your journal ranking. It also helps you in checking the impact factor and category of ranking.

SCImago journal rank (SJR)

In SJR, you can filter the journals by their subject area and country. Scopus quartiles q1 q2 q3 and q4 journals list free can also help in checking the journals.

Publisher’s website

First, check the publisher’s website for the open-access policies so that you can identify the journals without interruption. Check the submission guidelines and make sure the journals are placed in Scopus or Web of Science databases.

Other data tools

You can also check the journals in other data tools. Use keywords like how to find q1 q2 q3 q4 journals online to get multiple journal lists and resources.

Conclusion

For the research submission, understanding the q1, q2, q3, q4 journal lists and using the Scopus Q1 journal list is very important. You can enhance the recognition, authenticity, and impact of your journal by carefully selecting the journals, checking their metrics, and scope.

By regularly checking the journals on resources and updating your journal lists, you can stay updated with Q1 q2 q3 q4 journal list Scopus and other resources.