A Type II/V cement designation indicates that the cement complies with the requirements of ASTM C 150, Standard Specification for Portland Cement, for both Type II and Type V cements. It is quite common to find cements that comply with multiple cement designations such as Type I/II and Type II/V.

For general construction, a Type I cement can be used. Typical applications include paving, floor slabs, and building columns. A Type II cement also meets the requirements for Type I cement, but has a lower heat of hydration than a Type I and greater resistance to sulfate attack. Type II cements can be used for mass concrete applications, and in concrete exposed to heavy concentrations of deicing salts (bridge decks). Type II cement is also recommended for use when there will be exposure to marine environments and moderate sulfate attack as defined by the Building Code.

Type V cement is specifically designed for high sulfate resistance. The cement is chemically modified to increase concrete's durability in high sulfate content soils and groundwater. Type V also meets all requirements of Type II.