What size urn do I need?
The amount of ashes, or "cremated remains", that each urn holds is measured in cubic inches. The industry standard calculation is approximately 1 pound of healthy weight to 1 cubic inch of cremains; that is, a 180 lbs person will require roughly 180 cubic inches capacity in an urn.
Please note: Since there are many variables in what the final amount of remains will be, we highly suggest getting an accurate measurement of cremains from the crematorium prior to a purchase of an urn as we can not determine the need exclusively based on the person's size.
Most adult cremation urns will hold 200 cubic inches at a minimum, and some hold more.
For example, the Hamilton Cremation Urn, pictured above, holds 210 cubic inches of remains. We list the volume capacity in cubic inches that the urn will hold in the product description for each of our products.
For a larger individual, the measurements can be a little tricky. The ashes you receive are the bone matter that remains after the cremation process. This means that regardless of a person's actual weight, the cremains should be around the same amount as the average person of the same height.
Here are some handy charts to help you figure weight (and thus cubic inches needed) based on height. You can also use our Urn Size Calculator.
Weight chart for women
Height | Small Frame | Medium Frame | Large Frame |
4'10" | 102-111 | 109-121 | 118-131 |
4'11" | 103-113 | 111-123 | 120-134 |
5'0" | 104-115 | 113-126 | 122-137 |
5'1" | 106-118 | 115-129 | 125-140 |
5'2" | 108-121 | 118-132 | 128-143 |
5'3" | 111-124 | 121-135 | 131-147 |
5'4" | 114-127 | 124-138 | 134-151 |
5'5" | 117-130 | 127-141 | 137-155 |
5'6" | 120-133 | 130-144 | 140-159 |
5'7" | 123-136 | 133-147 | 143-163 |
5'8" | 126-139 | 136-150 | 146-167 |
5'9" | 129-142 | 139-153 | 149-170 |
5'10" | 132-145 | 142-156 | 152-173 |
5'11" | 135-148 | 145-159 | 155-176 |
6'0" | 138-151 | 148-162 | 158-179 |
Weight chart for men
Height | Small Frame | Medium Frame | Large Frame |
5'1" | 128-134 | 131-141 | 138-150 |
5'3" | 130-136 | 133-143 | 140-153 |
5'4" | 132-138 | 135-145 | 142-156 |
5'5" | 134-140 | 137-148 | 144-160 |
5'6" | 136-142 | 139-151 | 146-164 |
5'7" | 138-145 | 142-154 | 149-168 |
5'8" | 140-148 | 145-157 | 152-172 |
5'9" | 142-151 | 148-160 | 155-176 |
5'10" | 144-154 | 151-163 | 158-180 |
5'11" | 146-157 | 154-166 | 161-184 |
6'0" | 149-160 | 157-170 | 164-188 |
6'1" | 152-164 | 160-174 | 168-192 |
6'2" | 155-168 | 164-178 | 172-197 |
6'3" | 158-172 | 167-182 | 176-202 |
6'4" | 162-176 | 171-187 | 181-207 |
Source: Healthy Check Systems
Large capacity urns
Of course, there are variations in bone density and structure, so for a larger individual, it is wise to err on the side of more cubic inches. Often, families will choose a companion urn, which usually hold 400 cubic inches. We have several other urns that are in the 230-250 cubic inch range as well.
Companion urns
Some couples choose a companion urn as a way to signify their inseparability. These urns typically will hold 400 or more cubic inches, and can often be made with or without separate compartments inside. If a divider is chosen, then both sides will be roughly 200 cubic inches. Again, be sure to see the dimensions on each product page, and use the same calculations as above to determine if the urn will be suitable.
Keepsake urns
Keepsake urns vary widely in size; some hold as little as 1 cubic inch of cremains, while others hold up to 100 cubic inches. Choose your keepsake urn carefully depending on its intended usage. If you would like to divide the cremains among several relatives, it is usually best to get several 50+ cubic inch keepsake urns.
What if I'm still unsure?
If you're still not sure how to figure out what type of funeral urn you need, or if a particular urn will be suitable, please contact us and we'll be happy to assist you. Our toll-free number is 877-900-5309 (tap to call). Keep in mind that quite a few of our urns can be customized to suit your needs!
Infographic
Maybe you're the visual type and an infographic is the best way to help you picture it. Try this: