Q. When should I use Scopus Sources and SCImago to select a journal?

Use Scopus Sources to find, compare and shortlist journals, and to check which quartile a journal is in within its subject category based on CiteScore percentile, for example, top 25% (Q1) or top 50% (Q2).

Use SCImago Journal & Country Rank (SCImago, SJR) when you need to confirm a SCImago Journal Rank (SJR) quartile, for example, SCImago Q1 or SCImago Q2. 

Before selecting a journal:

• Academic staff: check your Academic Unit Work Plan Policy and discipline requirements.
• Students, including Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates: discuss journal quality expectations with your supervisor.

Scopus Sources

Use Scopus Sources to:

• Find and compare journals in your subject area
• Check CiteScore, CiteScore percentile, and subject rank
• Check the journal's CiteScore percentile-based quartile
• Confirm that the journal is indexed in Scopus

A journal may rank differently across subject categories, so use the category most relevant to your research.

SCImago

Use SCImago if your relevant requirements or guidance refer specifically to:

• SCImago
• SCImago Journal Rank (SJR)
• An SJR-based Q1, Q2, Q3, or Q4 quartile

A journal may have different SCImago quartiles across subject categories. Check the relevant subject category and year.

Should I use both?

Sometimes. 

1. Identify the journal quality requirements that apply to you.
2. Use Scopus Sources to find, compare, and shortlist suitable journals.
3. Use SCImago if you need to confirm as SJR-based quartile.
4. Also consider the journal's scope, audience, peer review, indexing, open access options, publication costs, and overall fit.

Important: A Scopus CiteScore percentile-based quartile and a SCImago SJR quartile are different measures and should not be treated as equivalent.

If you are told to select a Q1 or Q2 journal but the ranking source is not specified, academic staff should check with their School or Institute, and students should check with their supervisor. 

When recording a journal metric, include the source, metric, subject category, and year.