How Do I Choose The Right Size Urn For Ashes

Updated: November 22, 2025

Selecting the perfect urn to hold the ashes of your loved one is an important and deeply personal decision. One of the most common questions families face is: How do I choose the right size urn for ashes? This guide will help you understand key factors to consider when determining urn size, ensuring the memorial is both practical and meaningful.

Understanding Urn Size and Capacity

Choosing the right urn size starts with a simple guideline: allow about 1 cubic inch of urn space per pound of the person or pet’s weight before cremation. For example, if your loved one was roughly 150 pounds, you’d look for an urn that holds around 150 cubic inches, with a little extra to be safe.

This sizing principle applies to pets too, as they are cherished family members. Whether you had a small cat or a large dog, it’s important to pick an urn that fits their size. For instance, a 10-pound cat typically needs an urn around 10 to 15 cubic inches, whereas a large Labrador may require 70 to 90 cubic inches. This ensures the ashes are nicely contained and the urn feels like a fitting and respectful tribute.

Here are the main urn categories by size and use:

Full-size urns: Made to hold ashes of an average adult (typically 180 to 220 cubic inches)
Companion urns: Designed for two people or partners, often with capacities from 350 to 440 cubic inches
Keepsake urns: Smaller vessels for sharing ashes or holding partial remains, usually under 50 cubic inches
Pet urns: Sized to pet’s weight and personality, ranging from tiny keepsakes to pet figurines

Choosing the right size not only respects your loved one’s memory but also ensures your urn fits into your home or intended resting place comfortably. This thoughtful approach lays the foundation for a meaningful memorial.

Why Size Matters

Choosing the right urn size is about more than just measurements—it's about respect, practicality, and creating a memorial that feels right both emotionally and visually.

If an urn is too small:
It risks overflowing or not securely containing all the ashes, which can add distress during an already difficult time. This applies equally to urns for people and pets. Ensuring enough space avoids the worry of ashes being exposed or damaged.

If an urn is too large:
It might feel disproportionate or cumbersome, making it difficult to display or store with the reverence your loved one deserves. Oversized urns can seem impersonal or awkward in home or memorial spaces.

Choosing a slightly larger urn (about 10% extra volume):
Experts recommend opting for an urn slightly bigger than the minimum calculated size—for humans and pets alike—to provide comfort and accommodate variations in ash volume.

For pet urns specifically:
Size is equally important. The general rule applies: 1 cubic inch of space per pound of your pet’s weight before cremation, plus a little extra to ensure a secure fit. For example, a small dog like a pug (14-18 lbs) would need an urn with 24-28 cubic inches capacity, while a large breed such as a German Shepherd (50-80 lbs) requires 60-90 cubic inches. This respect for size helps maintain the dignity of your furry family member’s memory.

Types of Urns by Size Category

Full Size Cremation Urns for Ashes: Designed for a single adult, these urns typically range from 180 to 220 cubic inches and accommodate most adults' ashes comfortably. Explore options here: Full Size Cremation Urns
Companion Urns: Intended to hold the ashes of two individuals (such as spouses or partners), companion urns have larger capacities, often between 350-440 cubic inches. These provide a meaningful way for couples to remain together in memorial. Browse collection: Companion Cremation Urns.
Keepsake Cremation Urns for Ashes: These smaller urns are for partial remains or sharing ashes among family members. Keepsakes are also splendid for holding a portion of ashes if others are buried or scattered. See Keepsake Cremation Urns.
Pet Figurine Cremation Urns: Specially designed urns for pet ashes often come in whimsical and heartwarming shapes to celebrate furry companions. View more here: Pet Figurine Cremation Urns

Calculating the Right Size

Determine the Pre-Cremation Weight
Find out the approximate weight of your loved one or pet before cremation. This forms the basis of urn size calculation.
Apply the 1:1 Rule
Use the general guideline that 1 pound of body weight equals 1 cubic inch of urn capacity. This helps estimate the volume needed to hold the ashes safely.
Add Extra Space for Comfort
Include about 10% extra volume to the calculated size. This buffer ensures the urn is not too tight and accommodates any variance in ash quantity.
Example Calculation
For a 150-pound individual or pet, multiply 150 by 1.1 (10% extra) to get 165 cubic inches as the recommended urn capacity.

Beautiful Examples to Consider

The stunning Moonlight Blue Pewter Stainless Steel Adult Cremation Urn with Coral Design offers resilient material and elegant design.
For a contemporary look, the Matte Amethyst Aluminum Adult Cremation Urn combines soft hues with durable construction.
The Classic Vase Form Navy Extra Large Cremation Urn and the artistic Aero Tree of Life Extra Large Cremation Urn are larger options with striking visual appeal.
For unique symbolism, the Aero Butterfly Extra Large Cremation Urn represents transformation and hope.

Consider Biodegradable Options

For those interested in eco-friendly memorials, biodegradable urns provide a sustainable choice. These urns are designed to break down naturally over time:

Final Considerations

When choosing the right size urn, also consider:

The final resting place (display at home, burial, columbarium niche)
Personal style and design preferences
The potential desire to divide ashes among family members

By understanding sizing requirements and exploring Funeral.com’s diverse urn collections, you can select an urn that fits both practical needs and emotional significance, honoring your loved one with grace and dignity.

For more options and information, explore these collections: