The pros and cons of computing the h-index using Scopus

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the pros and cons of computing the h‐index using Scopus.Design/methodology/approach – The paper looks at the content features and the software capabilities of Scopus from the perspective of computing a reasonable h‐index for scholars.Findings – Although there are limitations in the content, and even in the mostly excellent, swift, powerful and innovative software of Scopus, it can produce a much more reliable and reproducible h‐index – at least for relatively junior researchers – than Google Scholar.Originality/value – The paper adds insight into computing the h‐index using Scopus.