Guides & Tutorials: Journal Impact : CiteScore

Understanding journal impact metrics is essential for researchers, editors, and institutions. Two commonly used metrics are CiteScore and Impact Factor, each calculated using different databases and methodologies.

1. CiteScore

Database: Scopus (Elsevier)
Time Window: 3 years
Document Types: Articles, reviews, conference papers, book chapters, data papers

CiteScore calculates citation impact using Elsevier's Scopus database. Its broader inclusion of document types provides a comprehensive picture of a journal’s overall influence within the academic community.

2. Impact Factor (Journal Impact Factor)

Database: Web of Science (Clarivate)
Time Window: 2 years
Document Types: Articles and reviews (citable documents only)

Impact Factor focuses on a narrower set of documents and uses the Web of Science database. While widely recognized, its transparency in defining "citable documents" can be less clear compared to CiteScore.

Key Differences

• Indexing Database: CiteScore uses Scopus, Impact Factor uses Web of Science.
• Citation Window: CiteScore uses 3 years, Impact Factor uses 2 years.
• Document Inclusion: CiteScore is broader, Impact Factor is more restrictive.
• Implications: Metrics may yield different journal rankings and visibility depending on the field and publication type.

Conclusion

CiteScore offers a broader and more inclusive metric, ideal for comprehensive research evaluation, while Impact Factor is more selective, focusing on high-impact articles and reviews. Understanding these differences helps researchers, journal editors, and institutions make informed decisions regarding publication strategies and research evaluation.