How to Check Web of Science Journal Indexing

Web of Science verification

How to Check Web of Science Journal Indexing

Verify the exact journal and collection in Clarivate’s Master Journal List. “Web of Science indexed” is too broad unless the specific journal record supports the claim.

Reviewed by the Beallslists.com editorial desk · Evidence checked: · Review cycle: 2026

Step-by-step Web of Science check

  1. Open the Web of Science Master Journal List.
  2. Search by ISSN or exact title.
  3. Open the correct journal record.
  4. Confirm the title, publisher and ISSN.
  5. Check which Web of Science collection or index covers the title.
  6. If the journal claims a Journal Impact Factor, verify the JIF information separately through Clarivate’s JCR resources.

Why the collection matters

Web of Science contains multiple indexes. Institutional policies may distinguish Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Arts & Humanities Citation Index (AHCI) and Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI). When a journal says only “Web of Science indexed,” ask which collection and for what period.

Do not confuse Web of Science with Journal Citation Reports

Web of Science is a research discovery and citation platform. Journal Citation Reports is a separate Clarivate product that provides journal-level metrics including the Journal Impact Factor. Clarivate notes that JCR is an annual snapshot, whereas Web of Science is continually updated.

Common mistakes

  • Using a journal’s own screenshot instead of the Master Journal List.
  • Searching a partial title and selecting the wrong journal.
  • Assuming any Web of Science collection automatically means the same institutional status.
  • Assuming a journal has a current JIF without verifying it.
  • Ignoring title changes, ISSN changes or coverage updates.

Web of Science FAQ

Where is the official journal list?

Clarivate’s Master Journal List is the official place to search journal coverage.

Does every Web of Science journal have a Journal Impact Factor?

Verify the current status rather than assuming from the phrase “Web of Science indexed.”

Can the collection change?

Coverage and indexing information can change, so use the current journal record when making a decision.

Search by ISSN when the title is ambiguous

Journal names can be surprisingly similar. If your first search returns several titles, use the print or electronic ISSN and compare the publisher. This also helps when a journal has changed title or when a website is using a name close to an established publication.

Institutional requirements may be narrower than “Web of Science”

Some universities, funders and promotion systems specify particular Web of Science collections or require a JIF. Others accept a wider range of indexed journals. Verify the journal first, then compare the result with the rule that actually applies to you. A journal website cannot decide whether it satisfies your institution’s policy.

Official sources used for verification

Use first-party databases and recognized publishing-ethics guidance for current checks. A logo or a claim on a journal website is not a substitute for an official record.

Continue your journal check