How to Verify if a Journal is Indexed (Scopus & Web of Science)

Step-by-step guidance on checking whether a journal is listed in Scopus or Web of Science and what to do with the results.

Choosing a journal that is indexed in major databases can matter for visibility, citation potential, and institutional recognition. Two of the most widely used databases are Scopus and Web of Science (Clarivate). Here is a practical way to verify indexing.

Scopus

Sources list

Scopus maintains a list of serials it indexes. Go to the Scopus website and look for "Sources" or "Source list." You can search by journal name or ISSN. If the journal appears and is marked as active, it is currently indexed. Check the coverage dates to see from which year content is included.

What to note

Scopus sometimes drops titles that no longer meet their criteria. So a journal that was indexed in the past may not be indexed now. Always confirm current status and coverage on the official Scopus site rather than relying on the journal’s own claim.

Web of Science

Master Journal List

Clarivate’s Web of Science uses a Master Journal List (MJL). Search for the journal by title or ISSN. The result will show which product(s) include it: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Arts & Humanities Citation Index (AHCI), or Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI).

ESCI vs SCIE/SSCI

ESCI is a stepping stone: journals are evaluated before potential inclusion in SCIE or SSCI. Being in ESCI means the journal is in the Web of Science ecosystem but not yet in the core citation indexes. For many purposes, ESCI is still a meaningful form of indexing; for others, institutions may emphasise SCIE/SSCI only.

Next steps

After you confirm indexing, consider scope, turnaround times, and open-access options. If you need help interpreting results or comparing journals, our journal verification and publishing support services can help. Use the contact form or request a consultation for tailored guidance.