This study is trying to investigate mechanisms of the water addition to the hemi-hydrate calcium sulfate. Specimens with various weight ratios of water to powder are measured to examine theirs mechanical strength and corresponding dissolution properties. The conversion rates for phase transformation between calcium sulfates are observed by using freeze-drying method and X-ray diffraction analyzed method. The morphologies obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are also applied for the comparisons of the setting reactions. The results revealed that mechanical strength will be stronger with increasing conversion rate, where slower dissolution rate is obtained with less addition of water. The rate of phases converting is determined to be a third-order reaction, which is analyzed by comparing X-ray data and percentages of forming calcium sulfate into dihydrate state. Porosities between fibrous crystalline are found and deduced to be the main factors to affect the hardening strength of formed calcium sulfate dihydrate.