We investigated the relationship between the Kurtzke expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and an activities of daily living (ADL) scale that assesses disability across multiple functional domains based on self report of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Forty-three patients with definite MS responded on a 42-item ADL inventory and were also assigned an EDSS rating as part of their regular clinical examination. While a strong correlation was found between the EDSS and total ADL disability level, the ADL domain of 'Mobility' fully accounted for this relationship. The distribution of ADL scores as a function of EDSS level was curvilinear, as ADL variance was inconsistent across EDSS levels. Little ADL disability was evident when EDSS levels were below five. At higher EDSS levels, ADL variability increased substantially, making predictions regarding ADL level less exact.