What is a good h-index for a PhD student?

For doctoral students: h-index 1–3 is typical before graduation; h-index 4–7 is strong. For early career researchers (5 years post-PhD): h-index 5–10 is competitive; 10+ is excellent in most fields. Humanities h-indices are much lower than science fields.

Can the h-index decrease?

No. The h-index can never decrease because citations can only accumulate, never be removed. It can only increase or stay the same. The m-quotient (h/years since first publication) accounts for career age and is better for comparing researchers at different career stages.

h-Index Calculator for Research Publications

Formula Definitions

The h-Index Calculator for Research Publications works by applying a well-defined formula to the values you enter. Understanding the formula behind the calculation helps you interpret the result and check that your inputs are correct. Below we break down the key components that drive the h-Index.

The core formula used by this calculator is:

Result = f(inputs, settings)

Each variable in the formula has a specific meaning:

inputs — Values entered into the h-Index.
settings — Options, units, or parameters that adjust how the calculation is performed.
Result — Computed output for the chosen inputs and settings.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the required values. Enter the required values into the h-Index Calculator for Research Publications input fields.
Adjust settings. Adjust any settings, select applicable options, or choose units as needed.
Calculate the result. Press Calculate to compute the result using the underlying formula.
Interpret the output. Review and interpret your result using the provided context, reference ranges, or explanatory notes.

Glossary and Definitions

Input: A value entered into the calculator to be processed.
Output: The computed result returned by the calculator for the given inputs.
Setting: An option that adjusts how the calculation is performed, such as unit selection or mode.
H-index: A key concept referenced by the h-Index: Calculate the h-index from a list of citation counts for published articles. The h-index h is defined as the largest h such that h papers have each been cited at least h times. Standard bibliometric measure of research output quality.
Hirsch index: A key concept referenced by the h-Index: Calculate the h-index from a list of citation counts for published articles. The h-index h is defined as the largest h such that h papers have each been cited at least h times. Standard bibliometric measure of research output quality.
Research output: A key concept referenced by the h-Index: Calculate the h-index from a list of citation counts for published articles. The h-index h is defined as the largest h such that h papers have each been cited at least h times. Standard bibliometric measure of research output quality.
Citation impact: A key concept referenced by the h-Index: Calculate the h-index from a list of citation counts for published articles. The h-index h is defined as the largest h such that h papers have each been cited at least h times. Standard bibliometric measure of research output quality.
Academic metrics: A key concept referenced by the h-Index: Calculate the h-index from a list of citation counts for published articles. The h-index h is defined as the largest h such that h papers have each been cited at least h times. Standard bibliometric measure of research output quality.
Scholar publications: A key concept referenced by the h-Index: Calculate the h-index from a list of citation counts for published articles. The h-index h is defined as the largest h such that h papers have each been cited at least h times. Standard bibliometric measure of research output quality.