Enter the number of citations received by the paper and the average number of citations a paper typically receives in the field into the Calculator. The calculator will evaluate the Relative Citation Ratio. 

Relative Citation Ratio Formula

RCR = CR / ACR

Variables:

  • RCR is the Relative Citation Ratio ()
  • CR is the number of citations received by the paper
  • ACR is the average number of citations a paper typically receives in the field

To calculate Relative Citation Ratio, divide the number of citations received by the paper by the average number of citations received by papers in that field.

How to Calculate Relative Citation Ratio?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Relative Citation Ratio.


  1. First, determine the number of citations received by the paper. 
  2. Next, determine the average number of citations a paper typically receives in the field. 
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = RCR = CR / ACR.
  4. Finally, calculate the Relative Citation Ratio.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

number of citations received by the paper = 50

average number of citations a paper typically receives in the field = 80

FAQs

What is the importance of calculating the Relative Citation Ratio (RCR)?
Calculating the RCR is crucial for assessing the impact and relevance of a research paper within its field. It helps in comparing the paper’s citation performance to the field’s average, providing insights into its influence and contribution to the discipline.

Can the Relative Citation Ratio be used across different fields?
While RCR offers valuable insights, its effectiveness can vary across fields due to differences in citation practices. It’s most useful when comparing papers within the same field or discipline to ensure a fair assessment of their relative impact.

How does the number of citations affect the Relative Citation Ratio?
The number of citations directly influences the RCR. A higher number of citations received by a paper compared to the field’s average increases its RCR, indicating a higher impact. Conversely, fewer citations result in a lower RCR, suggesting lesser influence.

Is the Relative Citation Ratio the only metric to assess a paper’s impact?
No, the RCR is just one of many metrics used to evaluate research impact. Other metrics include the Impact Factor, H-index, and Altmetrics. Each metric offers different insights, and a comprehensive assessment often involves considering multiple indicators.