How to Use Scimago Journal Rank

Getting started with Scimago Journal Rank

In this guide, you will learn how to use the Scimago Journal Rank (SJR) portal to assess journal quality and scientific indicators effectively. After reading, you'll be able to find and analyse journal rankings based on citation data and prestige.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to Scimago Journal Rank.
2. You do not need to sign up; the site is free to use without an account. Simply navigate to the homepage to get started.

Step 2: Your first journal search

1. On the homepage, locate the search bar at the top of the page.
2. Enter the name of the journal you want to research (e.g., "Nature") and press "Enter".
3. From the search results, click on the journal title to view its detailed ranking information.
4. You’ll see metrics like SJR score, h-index, total documents, and citations. Use the tabs to switch between "Journal Rankings", "Citations", and "Documents" for a comprehensive view.

Step 3: Get better results

1. Use the "Journal Rankings" tab to filter journals by subject area or country. Click on "View All" to see more options.
2. Adjust the time frame in the drop-down menu to see how rankings change over time.
3. For a detailed comparison, check the "Compare" feature by selecting multiple journals and clicking "Compare".

Pro tip

Use the export feature by clicking the "Export" button on the search results page to download data in CSV format. This allows you to analyse journal metrics offline or share them easily with colleagues.

Common mistake to avoid

Avoid searching for journals using abbreviations or incomplete names, as this can lead to inaccurate results. Always enter the full journal name for the best outcomes.