This paper presents the hydration kinetics, products and microstructure of an alite-ye'elimite clinker containing 4 wt% of ye'elimite to boost the early strength development. Isothermal calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, backscattered scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry were used to study the hydration processes. The results showed that the ye'elimite phase hydrated very rapidly, before the main hydration of alite, forming ettringite as main hydration product. The ye'elimite hydration products precipitated throughout the pore space and reduced the microporosity of the hardened paste at early age. The presence of ye'elimite strongly affected the early hydration before 24 h of hydration, but did not show a significant effect on the hydration kinetics or products at later ages. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.