How Do I Choose The Right Size Urn For Ashes

Many people focus on the design or material when selecting an urn for a loved one's ashes, overlooking one crucial factor: the size of the urn. To choose the right size urn for ashes is essential to ensure it can hold the total amount of cremated remains and serve as a respectful and dignified resting place. 

The process of choosing an urn can feel overwhelming, especially during a time of grief, but understanding how to measure and match the urn's capacity to your loved one's remains will provide comfort in knowing you've chosen appropriately. With various urn sizes and types available, this guide from experts at Funeral.Com will walk you through selecting the right size and other considerations during this crucial decision.

Understanding Urn Sizes: How Much Space Do You Need?

Cremation reduces the human body to ashes, typically weighing between 3 and 7 pounds, depending on the individual's weight and height. The general rule of thumb is that one cubic inch of urn space is needed for every pound of body weight before cremation. For instance, if a person weighed 180 pounds, you would need an urn with a capacity of at least 180 cubic inches. This is known as the "cubic inch rule," which estimates how large an urn should be.

When looking to choose the right size urn for ashes, it’s essential to account for the deceased’s entire body weight. If the deceased was a larger individual or if additional items like keepsakes or mementos are to be stored inside the urn, you may need to opt for a larger size. Conversely, smaller keepsake urns might be appropriate if the urn is intended to hold only a portion of the ashes.

Types Of Urns And Their Capacities

There are several types of urns to consider, each with its size and purpose. Whether you’re selecting an urn to display at home, bury in a cemetery, or divide among family members, knowing the different types and their general capacities can help guide your decision.

• Companion Urns- These larger pieces can hold the remains of two individuals, such as spouses or partners, and generally have a capacity of 350 to 400 cubic inches, with some divided into two compartments for separate storage of each person's ashes. Companion urns are ideal for couples who wish to remain together after death, and they often feature meaningful inscriptions or designs that reflect shared memories.

• Keepsake Urns- These pieces are much smaller and usually hold only a portion of the cremated remains. They typically have a capacity of between 3 and 25 cubic inches. These urns are popular when family members prefer to divide the ashes among themselves/set aside a small portion of the cremains as a personal memento. Keepsake urns are often chosen for their portability and decorative qualities as a personal reminder of the loved one.

• Biodegradable Urns- These are intended for burial in the earth or water and are made from materials that break down naturally over time. biodegradable urn products come in various sizes, ranging from full-sized to smaller keepsake versions. When choosing a biodegradable urn, it’s essential to ensure that the capacity is large enough to hold all or part of the ashes, depending on your plans for memorializing your loved one.

Special Considerations For Pets And Memorabilia

While this guide primarily focuses on human cremation, many families also honor their beloved pets with cremation. The same guidelines for calculating urn size based on weight apply to pets, though pet urns often come in smaller sizes. If you’re memorializing a cat, dog, or other pet, you can find urns specifically designed to reflect their size and personality, with many options available for personalization.

Some families store sentimental items such as letters, photographs, or jewelry inside the urn in addition to cremated remains. If you’d like to do this, consider selecting an urn with a slightly larger capacity to accommodate these extra items.

Steps To Choosing The Right Size Urn

The process of choosing the right urn size involves a few simple steps:

• Calculate the Required Size
• Consider the Urn’s Purpose
• Think About Additional Items
• Choose a Design

Urns For Various Memorial Options

It’s important to consider where and how the urn will be used before finalizing your choice. Here are some common scenarios that can impact the type of urn you select:

• Display at Home -If you plan to display the urn in your home, you may want to choose one that matches the décor and provides a subtle yet meaningful tribute. In this case, full-sized urns in materials like wood, ceramic, or marble are often popular choices.

• Burial - For those who wish to bury the urn, many cemeteries offer burial plots specifically for urns. You’ll need to ensure the urn's size and material are appropriate for burial; in some cases, a burial vault may be required.

• Scattering Ashes - If you plan to scatter some or all of the ashes, consider using a temporary urn or a special scattering urn. Scattering urns are designed for ease of use and are often made from biodegradable materials.

• Columbarium - A columbarium is a structure that houses urns in individual niches. If you plan to store the urn in a columbarium, you’ll need to check the dimensions of the niche to ensure the urn fits appropriately.

Importance Of Consulting Funeral Professionals

When you choose the right size urn for ashes is a profoundly personal decision, and it’s essential to get it right to honor your loved one respectfully and fittingly. While guidelines like the cubic inch rule provide a helpful starting point, speaking with experts can make the process smoother. Funeral directors and cremation specialists can offer valuable input on the type and size of urn that best suits your needs. They can also help you navigate the various memorial options available and provide recommendations based on your preferences, budget, and the desired final resting place for your loved one’s ashes.