Web of Science
SCIE vs ESCI: what is the difference?
SCIE and ESCI are both parts of the Web of Science Core Collection, but they represent different positions in Clarivate’s journal evaluation framework. ESCI journals meet Clarivate’s quality criteria; SCIE journals also meet additional impact criteria for the science collections.
Maintained by the Beallslists.com editorial review team · Evidence reviewed: · Current verification cycle: 2026
SCIE and ESCI in plain language
| Index | Meaning | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| SCIE | Science Citation Index Expanded | Science journals that meet quality criteria and additional impact criteria. |
| ESCI | Emerging Sources Citation Index | Journals that meet Web of Science quality criteria but are in the broader ESCI collection rather than a flagship index. |
Can journals move between SCIE and ESCI?
Yes. Clarivate describes the Core Collection as dynamic. ESCI journals whose citation activity and evaluation meet the relevant impact criteria can move to SCIE, while journals in flagship indexes can move to ESCI if impact declines. Journals can also be removed if they fail quality criteria.
Do ESCI journals have a Journal Impact Factor?
Yes. Clarivate expanded Journal Impact Factors to all Web of Science Core Collection journals beginning with the 2023 Journal Citation Reports release, including ESCI journals. Therefore, the old shortcut “ESCI journals do not have an Impact Factor” is outdated.
Is SCIE automatically better for your paper?
Not always. SCIE status may matter for institutional evaluation, but journal choice should also consider subject fit, audience, editorial quality, peer-review process, publication speed, cost and your funder’s requirements. A narrowly focused ESCI journal can be a better research fit than a broader SCIE title.
How to verify SCIE or ESCI status
- Search the exact journal title or ISSN in Clarivate’s Master Journal List.
- Open the journal record.
- Check which Web of Science collection is shown.
- If you also need the current JIF or quartile, verify the relevant year in Journal Citation Reports.
Related guides
See How to check Web of Science indexing, Q1–Q4 quartiles explained and How to verify a Journal Impact Factor.
Official sources and further reading
- Clarivate — Journal evaluation process and selection criteria — official explanation of ESCI, SCIE and collection movement
- Clarivate — JIF expansion to Core Collection — official announcement that ESCI journals receive Journal Impact Factors
Database coverage and journal policies can change. Verify important claims at the official source on the date you make your publication decision.