What is the main difference between cement and concrete?

The distinction between cement and concrete primarily lies in their composition. Cement is a binding agent that is classified as a pure chemical compound or material, typically produced by grinding clinker and mixing it with various additives. It acts as the key ingredient that binds other materials together.

Concrete, on the other hand, is a composite material made from cement, water, aggregates (such as sand and gravel), and sometimes admixtures that enhance its properties. The strength and durability of concrete derive from this combination, where the cement serves as the binding agent that hardens and holds the aggregates together once water is added and the mixture cures.

Understanding this key difference in composition clarifies the nature of both materials and their typical applications in construction. Cement alone cannot provide the structural stability needed for most construction projects; it needs to be mixed with aggregates to create concrete, which is widely used for constructing buildings, roads, and other structures.