The pore size distribution of the cement paste that develops in concrete and mortar was measured by mercury intrusion. The intruded pore volumes were expressed on a per unit mass of paste basis and compared with the pore structure of plain paste that hydrated without aggregate. The paste in concrete is more porous, and the difference increases with increasing hydration. The additional porosity occurs mainly in pore sizes that are larger than the plain paste's threshold pore diameter. © 1990.