Journal metrics
Journal Impact Factor vs CiteScore: what is the difference?
Journal Impact Factor (JIF) and CiteScore are both journal-level citation metrics, but they come from different providers, use different source databases and are calculated differently. They should not be treated as interchangeable numbers.
Maintained by the Beallslists.com editorial review team · Evidence reviewed: · Current verification cycle: 2026
Quick comparison
| Feature | Journal Impact Factor | CiteScore |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Clarivate | Elsevier/Scopus |
| Primary source system | Web of Science / Journal Citation Reports | Scopus |
| Purpose | Journal citation impact within JCR | Journal/source citation performance within Scopus |
| Verification | Clarivate official journal/JCR record | Scopus source details |
Why the numbers can be different
The two metrics are based on different source databases, document definitions and calculation methods. A journal can therefore have a JIF and CiteScore that are numerically quite different without either number being “wrong.”
Which metric should an author use?
Use the metric that your institution, funder, discipline or decision actually requires. If your promotion rule specifically says Journal Impact Factor, a CiteScore is not a substitute. If your institution evaluates Scopus sources, CiteScore may be useful. For journal selection, neither metric should replace scope, audience, editorial quality or publication policies.
How to verify the metrics
- Confirm the journal title and ISSN.
- For JIF, use Clarivate’s official journal/JCR information.
- For CiteScore, use the journal’s Scopus source details.
- Check the year because both metrics change over time.
- Do not trust screenshots or copied numbers when the official source can be checked directly.
Watch for misleading metric language
A generic website may advertise an “impact factor” that is not the Journal Impact Factor. Always identify the provider. See Fake impact factors and misleading metrics and How to verify a JIF.
Official sources and further reading
- Clarivate — Journal Citation Reports — official JCR and Journal Impact Factor information
- Scopus — Sources — official Scopus source and CiteScore lookup
Database coverage and journal policies can change. Verify important claims at the official source on the date you make your publication decision.