One of the most critical properties of cementitious materials is the initial (IST) and final (FST) setting time, which helps to plan the transportability, workability and demoulding of concrete over time. The standards used to determine the setting time are based on measurement of penetration resistance; these are measured of the depth of penetration with a well-defined body (usually a Vicat needle) into a cement paste as a function of time. Two European standards deal with setting time: EN-196-3 and EN 480-2. EN 196-3 is used to determine the setting time of cement paste of standard consistency. Semi-adiabatic calorimetry (SAC) can be a suitable method for determining the setting time of cementitious materials and concretes of non-standard consistency. This method examines the heat evolution of the hydration reaction of cement. The heat evolution is proportional to the change in viscosity during the setting process and to the Vicat needle penetration depth. This study aimed to find a simple, more accurate and cheaper alternative measurement method for determining the setting time of cementitious materials, which can also be applied to concretes.