Periodical zoning is to divide periodicals into different grades according to their academic influence and quality, so that readers and researchers can better select and evaluate periodicals. At present, the commonly used methods of periodical classification mainly include the following:

1.JCR zoning method: JCR zoning method was formulated by institute for scientific information (ISI) and is one of the most commonly used periodical zoning methods in the world. It divides the journals included in SCI into 176 categories according to the subject field, and each category is further divided into four regions according to the impact factors, namely Q 1, Q2, Q3 and Q4. Among them, Q 1 means that the journal has the highest influence in this discipline, and Q4 means that the journal has the lowest influence in this discipline.

2. Classification of China Academy of Sciences: The classification of China Academy of Sciences was formulated by the Document Information Center of China Academy of Sciences, and it is also one of the commonly used periodical classification methods in China. It divides the journals included in SCI into 18 categories according to the subject field, and each category is divided into four areas according to the level of influencing factors, namely 1 area, area 2, area 3 and area 4. Among them, the first district indicated that this journal had the highest influence in this discipline, and fourth area indicated that this journal had the lowest influence in this discipline.

3. Thomson Reuters zoning method: Thomson Reuters zoning method was formulated by Thomson Reuters Company, and it is also a common periodic zoning method. It divides the journals included in SCI into 176 categories according to the subject field, and each category is further divided into four regions according to the influencing factors, which are the top 25%, 25%~50%, 50%~75% and 75%~ 100% respectively. Among them, the top 25% said that the journal has the highest influence in this discipline, and the last 25% said that the journal has the lowest influence in this discipline.

In a word, different periodical classification methods have their own advantages and disadvantages and scope of application. When choosing and using periodic partition, we need to make comprehensive consideration and evaluation according to our own needs and actual situation.