Based on dissecting of the multilevel organizational level of circular economy, the assessment scale of circular economy was divided into small cycle, medium cycle and big cycle. Following the architecture principles of circular economy assessment index system, the architecture methods were classified as three methods, i.e. pressure-state-response model, eco-efficiency analysis and flow analysis. The assessment index processing and analysis methods of circular economy were reviewed, the index dimensionless and weighting method and composite index method were put forward, and the index analysis methods were divided into unit longitudinal evaluation, multiple horizontal evaluation and classification and grading evaluation. By summarizing and reviewing existing research achievements of the circular economy assessment,it was pointed that circular economy assessment was essential prerequisite and foundation for scientific guidance and management of circular economy practices, and that building a set of scientific, operational circular economy assessment index system and methods and unified evaluation standards were important research contents of circular economy assessment.