Urn Sizes: What You Need to Know to Choose the Right Urn for Ashes

Most people are primarily concerned with determining the appropriate size of urn to purchase.

How Big Should a Cremation Urn Be?

The standard size for an adult urn is 200 cubic inches. This size is suitable for the remains of an average adult weighing up to 200 lbs.

There are various size categories, each with its own standards or ranges. Here's what you need to consider when selecting the right urn for your loved one.

Urn Sizes

Urn sizes can be determined in two ways: by capacity, which refers to the internal volume, and by dimensions, which indicate the external length, width, and height.

1(a). Urn Capacity (Interior Size)

The key factor in urn sizing is its capacity, which indicates how much ash the urn can contain.

Capacity is measured in cubic inches, reflecting the internal length, width, and depth in inches.

For instance, an urn with internal dimensions of 8" long, 5" wide, and 5" tall will have a capacity of 200 cubic inches.

8 x 5 x 5 = 200

Due to the varied shapes of urns, internal measurements can be complex (e.g., vase-shaped designs with curves). Therefore, we list only the capacity in cubic inches on product pages.

1(b). Capacity Needed

What capacity is necessary? Typically, you'll need around 200 cubic inches or less.

Here are some ways to determine the required capacity:

1. Convert weight to cubic inches. This is the easiest and most common approach. The individual's weight in pounds generally equals the cubic inches needed. Thus, for someone weighing 185 lbs, an urn with a capacity of 185 cubic inches or less is necessary.

2. Measure the ashes. Measure the ashes' length, width, and height in inches. Multiply these to find the total cubic inches. This can be done by placing the ashes into a box-like container, such as a cardboard box.

3. Measure the temporary urn. Crematoriums usually provide the ashes in a "temporary urn," a plastic container typically measuring 8.5" by 6.5" by 4.5". If your temporary urn is this size, it holds 200 cubic inches.

Ask the funeral director. Simply inquire with the funeral director, who can determine the urn size needed by either measuring the ashes or verifying if they fit into a standard temporary urn.

2. Urn Dimensions (Exterior Size)

The second method of measuring urn size is by its exterior dimensions, indicating the widest, longest, and tallest outer edges.

Due to decorative bases, accents, lids, or other features, exterior dimensions often don't correlate directly with interior capacity.

However, knowing the actual exterior size is crucial for fitting the urn into a burial vault, columbarium niche, or displaying it on a mantle. Product dimensions specify the space the urn occupies.

With this foundational knowledge, let's explore urn sizes.

Standard Adult Urn Size

The industry standard for an adult urn is 200 cubic inches.

However, this can vary slightly. "Adult" or "standard size" urns may range from 150 to 250 cubic inches. It's important to check product details for accuracy.

Most urns, about 90% or more, will be around 200 or even 220 cubic inches.

External measurements for urns vary widely. Generally, box-type urns are rectangular, with the longer side measuring 10-12 inches and the shorter sides between 6-9 inches.

Vase-shaped urns are usually 9-13 inches tall, with diameters ranging from 6-9 inches, depending on their shape.

Companion Urn Size

The standard capacity for a companion urn is 400 cubic inches.

A companion urn is designed to hold the ashes of two individuals, requiring approximately double the capacity of a standard urn, typically around 400 cubic inches.

Capacity may vary, with some companion urns holding 350 cubic inches and others exceeding 400 cubic inches. Generally, most companion urns are around 400 cubic inches.

Exterior dimensions aren't exactly double those of a standard single urn. Expect 11-14 inches on the long side and 8-10 inches on the shorter sides.

Small Urn Sizes

Smaller urn sizes vary significantly due to the different types available.

Keepsake Urns

"Keepsake" urns hold a small portion of the ashes, allowing family members to keep a token portion. These are often used when the majority of the remains are buried or scattered, yet some family members wish to retain a portion.

Keepsake urns can hold from 1 to about 50 cubic inches, with most accommodating 5-20 cubic inches.

Child or Infant Urns

Urns for children are smaller than adult-sized urns. There are very small urns for infants and a range of sizes between these and standard adult sizes.

Infant urns measure 10-20 cubic inches, while "Child" urns range from 10 to 150 cubic inches.

Pet Urns

Pet cremation is common, especially for beloved pets. Pet urn sizes vary widely due to the range in pet sizes, generally being smaller than standard adult urns.

Extra Large Cremation Urns

What if you require an urn larger than the standard adult size, but not quite a companion urn?

There are extra-large urns available, with capacities ranging from 250 to 300 and even 350 cubic inches. If you're interested in these, contact us for assistance in finding the right one.

As mentioned, the exterior dimensions of companion urns aren't significantly larger than standard sizes, so manufacturers often skip intermediate sizes for cost efficiency, jumping from 200 to 400 cubic inches.

If you're looking for extra-large urns, consider our selection of companion urns.

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