Abstract: ［Purpose/Significance］By comparison of scientometric tools, this paper aims to provide some reference for users to make choices, to maximize the advantages of different scientometric analytics tools, and to better serve the research on scientometrics.［Design/Methodology］Tweleve common scientometric analysis tools were chosen for exploring the conventional approach of scientometric analysis. A comparative analysis was made on usable tools from five aspects including supported data sources, extractable knowledge units, available data processing functions, applicable analysis methods and optional visualization. ［Findings/Conclusion］Most tools can only be used during part of the whole stage, and just minority of them could support all the functions during the whole analysis phase. Due to different development purposes, each tool has its own emphasis on functions. There is redundancy in the tools with similar functions. Some tools have obvious advantages in certain stages, and they could be selected and combined in practical applications.
［Originality/Value］Based on the actual demand of scientometric analysis, the common tools have been widely investigated, and the tools are mapped to the conventional approach for comparison.

Key words: Scientometric analysis, Scientometric tool, Conventional approach, Data acquisition, Data preparation, Data analysis, Visualization, Comparative study