Disease activity assessment is one of the most pivotal aspects in the care of RA patients. Composite measures of disease activity are superior to individual measures, since they capture the multiple facets of the disease. Since swollen joint counts correlate with joint damage progression and tender joint counts with physical function, composite scores that include joint counts are preferable. The simplified and clinical disease activity indices (SDAI, CDAI) are easy to calculate and correlate well with joint damage and physical function. Cutpoints for disease activity states have been established and improvement criteria likewise. The SDAI and CDAI remission criteria (ACR-EULAR index-based remission) are stringent, usually associated with a halt of progression of damage and optimisation of physical function and can still be achieved in 1 of 4 clinic patients and up to one third of patients in trials of early arthritis.