In comparison with the effect of mass ratio of water to cement and types of cement, the influence of methyl cellulose(MC) on properties of fresh cement paste was experimentally investigated. The results show that MC can improve the consistency and water retentivity of fresh cement paste significantly, increase the fluidity and setting time of cement slightly. Further, it can increase the air content of mixtures significantly, so the decrease of strength must be considered while adding it to cementitious materials.