The physical and mechanical properties of Portland cement (PC) containing metakaolin (MK) or combination of MK and slag and the compatibility between such materials and superplasticizers were investigated in present study. After MK was incorporated into PC, the compressive strength of the blended cement was enhanced. However, the fluidity of MK blended cement became poorer than that of PC at the same dosage of superplasticizer and the same water/binder ratio. When both MK (10%) and ultra-fine slag (20% or 30%) were incorporated into PC together, not only the compressive strength of the blended cement was increased, but also the fluidity of the blended cement paste was improved comparing to MK blended cement. This indicates that ultra-fine slag can improve the physical and mechanical properties of MK blended cement. The physical and chemical effects of two mineral admixtures were also discussed. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.