For many researchers, especially early-career academics or those aiming for promotion and tenure, the label “Q1 journal” carries real weight. But when you submit to a journal published by MDPI, how can you confidently determine whether it truly sits in the first quartile (Q1) of its field? The answer is not straightforward.
In this guide, we break down how to evaluate MDPI journals, what “Q1” actually means, where MDPI stands in contemporary publishing, and how you can use clear criteria to decide if a given MDPI journal is genuinely high-ranking or not. We also offer you a practical checklist that supports your manuscript strategy.
What does Q1 mean?
Journal quartiles are a shorthand metric derived from citation-based databases (such as Scopus or Clarivate’s Web of Science) that divide a field’s journal list into four equal parts: Q1 (top 25 %), Q2 (next 25 %), Q3, and Q4. Publishing in a Q1 journal signals that your work has been accepted by a journal recognized for high impact, rigorous peer review, and broad visibility. Many institutions and funding bodies use quartile placement as a proxy for research quality.
But: not all journals labelled Q1 are equal, and the nuances matter.
Case Study: MDPI’s Self-Reported Quartile Statistics
Let’s examine MDPI’s published data:
- In their 2023 announcement, MDPI stated that 72% of their ranked journals (171 out of 237) are in Q1 or Q2.
- Their 2024 data says that among ranked titles, 193 journals are in the top 50% (Q1 or Q2).
While these figures imply that many MDPI journals reach decent quartiles, they do not guarantee membership in Q1 for any specific journal. Indeed, MDPI publishes hundreds of journals across vastly different disciplines, and quartile status depends on the field, citation behavior, and indexing timeline.
How to Verify if an MDPI Journal is Truly Q1?
Here are eight steps every author should follow:
- Identify the Field and Category: Journals are ranked within specific subject categories (for example: “Public Health”, “Materials Science”, “Environmental Engineering”). Check which category the journal belongs to and ensure your evaluation compares like-for-like.
- Find the Latest Quartile Ranking: Use Scopus SJR or Clarivate’s Journal Citation Reports to check the actual quartile (Q1-Q4) of the journal in that category. For MDPI journals, Scopus lists many titles under MDPI AG. For example, if a journal is ranked Q1 in “Chemistry (miscellaneous)”, that gives strength to your submission decision.
- Check the Recent Impact Factor or SJR: A significant upward or downward trend in impact metrics can quickly shift quartile status. MDPI’s announcements show large shares of their journals entering the first or second quartile in recent years. Also, review whether the journal is new and still building its metrics.
- Look for Indexing and Coverage: Ensure the journal appears in reliable indexing services: Web of Science, Scopus, and DOAJ. MDPI lists 328 journals indexed in Web of Science. Without proper indexing, quartile labels may be less meaningful.
- Compare Against Field Benchmarks: A Q1 journal in “Engineering – Multidisciplinary” may have a lower impact factor than a Q2 journal in “Medicine”. Always compare within the same subject category.
- Check Publication History and Review Process: High-ranking journals tend to have stable editorial boards, transparent peer-review timelines, and regular publishing schedules. Look at editorials, publishing ethics statements, and past issues.
- Evaluate Suspected Journals Individually: Some MDPI titles may quality-check as Q2 or even Q3 despite claims or marketing language. Cross-verify the specific journal rather than relying on publisher-wide statements.
- Use Third-Party Tools: Platforms such as SJR Scimago, WoS MJL, and independent journal checkers help validate quartile status. These sources help you verify claims and detect possible journal quality issues.
Why Some MDPI Journals Are Achieving Real Q1 Status?
There are several reasons you will find credible Q1 journals under the MDPI umbrella:
- Open-access growth: MDPI’s business model supports wide dissemination and high visibility, which can lead to higher citation rates for some of their more established journals.
- Rapid editorial processes: Some labs value fast turnarounds, which attract submissions; higher visibility often results.
- Field alignment: Many MDPI journals are well placed in emerging, multidisciplinary fields (such as materials, sensors, and sustainability) where citation growth is strong.
If a journal meets good indexing, high citations, and clear editorial status, then the publisher label (MDPI) becomes less crucial than the actual metrics and category.
Checklist for Authors: Choosing the Right MDPI Q1 Journal
Use the following self-check before submitting:
- Is the journal listed in Web of Science or Scopus?
- What quartile is it in for its category (Q1, Q2, etc.)?
- What is the 2023 or 2024 impact factor or SJR score, and how does that compare to other journals in the same field?
- Does the journal have a clear editorial board and a transparent peer-review policy?
- Does the journal’s scope match your research topic precisely?
- Are publication fees (APCs) and the indexing policy clearly stated?
- Have you recently reviewed published articles to assess their quality and citation behavior?
This list turns your evaluation into an expert decision rather than a guess.
Conclusion
Selecting a journal is one of the most strategic decisions a researcher must make. For authors considering an MDPI title, declaring “It’s Q1” requires verification. While many MDPI journals have advanced into or beyond the first quartile, blanket assumptions are dangerous.
Use the steps above, check indexing, compare metrics, verify category, and review history. If the journal you target ticks those boxes, you have good reason to believe it operates at the Q1 level. If not, proceed with caution. Prioritize your career impact, not just publisher branding. A well-chosen Q1 journal gives your research real visibility, citation potential, and academic standing.