Shrinkage cracking is a predominant deterioration mechanism in concrete structures with high surface-to-volume ratio. As a way to reduce the shrinkage cracking, expansive cements were developed, which utilize the early-age expansion to induce the necessary compressive stress for counteracting the tensile stress developed due to drying shrinkage. The goal of the current study was to investigate the early-age volume change and hydration of a calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA)-based cement. The effect of w/cm ratio (0.34 and 0.44), curing condition (sealed and lime water) and mineral admixture (Class C FA, Class F FA and silica fume) was examined on the expansion characteristics of CSA-based cement. The results highlight that the slow hydration of ye'elimite at low w/cm ratio resulted in reduced expansion. The lime water curing singificantly increased the expansion. Furthermore, the incorporation of mineral admixtures altered the expansion characteristics by modifying the material stiffness and hydration of ye'elimite.