Is Q1 the best quartile?

Within a specific category, Q1 usually refers to the highest-ranked quartile.

Does Q4 mean predatory?

No. Q4 is a ranking position, not a predatory-publishing label.

Where can I verify Journal Impact Factor quartiles?

Use Journal Citation Reports or the Web of Science Master Journal List, depending on access and the claim being checked.

Journal quartiles

What is Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 journal list?

Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 are journal quartile labels used in citation-ranking systems. They describe relative position within a subject category; they do not by themselves prove that a journal is ethical or suitable.

Maintained by the Beallslists.com editorial review team · Last reviewed: June 19, 2026

Simple explanation

In Journal Citation Reports, quartiles divide journals within a subject category into four ranked groups. Q1 generally indicates the highest-ranked group in that category, followed by Q2, Q3 and Q4. The category matters: a journal may have different positions in different subject categories.

Common mistake

Authors sometimes use “Q1 journal” as a shortcut for quality. It is better to say “a journal ranked in Q1 for a specific category and year in a specific database.” Quartile status can change and should be verified in the official source.

How this relates to predatory publishing

A quartile ranking is a citation metric, not a complete ethics review. You should still check peer review, fees, indexing, correction policies, and journal scope. Conversely, a Q3 or Q4 journal is not automatically predatory.

What to record

Database used: Journal Citation Reports, Scimago, or another source.
Year of the ranking.
Subject category.
Journal title and ISSN.
Whether the journal name matches the official record.

Useful external references

Use official databases and recognized publishing-ethics resources before making a submission decision. External links are provided for verification and do not replace your institution’s policy.