About Urn Sizes
About Urn Sizes
Choosing the right urn size is an important part of selecting a final resting place for a loved one’s ashes. Urns come in various sizes to accommodate different needs, from full-sized adult urns to keepsake urns for small portions of ashes. This guide will help you understand how urn sizing works and which option is best for your situation.
Understanding Urn Capacity
Urn sizes are measured in cubic inches, which corresponds to the volume of ashes they can hold. The general rule is that one pound of body weight before cremation produces approximately one cubic inch of ashes. This means you can estimate the urn size needed based on the person’s weight before cremation.
Standard Urn Sizes
- Adult Urns (3-3.5 litres / 180-220 cubic inches) – Designed for a single adult, these urns are the most commonly chosen size.
- Companion Urns (6-7 litres / 350-400 cubic inches) – These urns hold the ashes of two individuals, suitable for couples who wish to remain together.
- Keepsake Urns (Under 0.5 litres / 1-50 cubic inches) – These are small urns designed to hold a small portion of ashes, often shared among family members.
- Child & Infant Urns (0.5-2 litres / 10-150 cubic inches) – Sized to reflect the smaller volume of ashes for young children or infants.
- Extra-Large Urns (4+ litres / 220+ cubic inches) – For individuals over 100 kg or those who wish to store additional keepsakes along with the ashes.
Choosing the Right Urn Size
When selecting an urn, consider the following factors:
- Weight of the Deceased – Use the guideline of one cubic inch per pound of body weight.
- Purpose of the Urn – If ashes will be divided among family, smaller keepsake urns may be suitable.
- Burial or Display – Some urns are designed for burial, while others are intended for home or niche display, affecting the size needed.
- Personal Mementos – Some families choose to store personal items (letters, jewelry, or photographs) inside the urn, requiring extra space.
Urn Size Recommendations by Weight
| Weight Before Cremation | Recommended Urn Size (Cubic Inches) |
|---|---|
| Up to 50 lbs (23 kg) | 50 cubic inches (small) |
| 50 - 100 lbs (23 - 45 kg) | 100 cubic inches (medium) |
| 100 - 200 lbs (45 - 90 kg) | 200 cubic inches (standard) |
| 200 - 300 lbs (90 - 136 kg) | 300 cubic inches (extra-large) |
| 300+ lbs (136+ kg) | 350+ cubic inches (custom/XL) |
Final Considerations
If you’re unsure about the right urn size, it’s always best to choose a slightly larger urn to ensure enough space. Many families also opt for keepsake urns or jewellery urns to share a portion of the ashes among loved ones.
If you need further assistance in selecting the correct urn size, our team is here to help. Feel free to reach out with any questions or guidance.
We are an Australian Family Owned Company
We have decades of experience serving Australian families both as funeral directors, and also in assisting families to choose the right cremation urn for them.
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