ISO 29581-2:2010 describes a performance-based method for the chemical analysis of cement for SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, CaO, MgO, SO₃, K₂O, Na₂O, TiO₂, P₂O₅, Mn₂O₃, SrO, Cl and Br using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). It can be applied to other relevant elements when adequate calibrations have been established.

ISO 29581-2:2010 describes an alternative method for analyses of cement for conformity and information purposes, based on beads of fused sample and analytical validation using certified reference materials, together with performance criteria.

A method based on pressed pellets of unfused sample can be considered as equivalent, providing that the analytical performance satisfies the same criteria.

The use of fused beads generally improves the accuracy of analysis for non-volatile elements since it eliminates variability arising from differences in mineralogical forms or oxidation states. Pressed pellets generally improve the accuracy of analysis for volatile elements and can give adequate accuracy for the routine analysis of non-volatile elements.

The presence of sulfide in a sample also leads to restrictions on the scope of the analysis that can be undertaken using the XRF technique based upon fused beads. In particular, sulfate (SO₃) cannot be determined directly from such a fused bead because of the contribution to the analysis from the unknown amount of sulfide. In addition, sulfide cannot be determined directly (or accurately, indirectly) because of the contribution of the unknown amount of sulfate to the analysis and from the possibility that some sulfide can be lost by volatilization during fusion. Consequently, the method of ISO 29581-1, included as Annex D of ISO 29581-2:2010, is the reference method for determining the sulfate content of samples containing sulfide species.

Other methods can be used, provided they are calibrated, either against the reference method or against internationally accepted reference materials, in order to demonstrate their equivalence.

In the case of dispute, unless otherwise agreed by all parties, only the reference method in ISO 29581-1 can be used.

ISO 29581-2:2010 describes methods that apply principally to cements, but which can also be applied to their constituent materials and to other materials, the standards for which call up these methods.