What does the Impact Factor measure?

The Impact Factor is a widely recognized metric used to evaluate the relative importance and influence of a academic journal within its field. Specifically, it measures how frequently the articles published in a journal are cited in the literature over a specified period, usually two years. This citation frequency indicates the journal's visibility and relevance, reflecting its capacity to disseminate influential research findings.

By assessing citations, the Impact Factor provides insight into the quality and impact of a journal's content, helping researchers and institutions decide where to submit their work or which journals to follow for significant advancements in their field. This focus on citation frequency makes the Impact Factor a valuable tool for assessing the academic impact of journals compared to simply knowing publication frequency, media presence, or overall original research output, which are not covered by this particular metric.