When it comes to choosing a cremation urn, one of the most common questions people ask is: What size should I get? It might seem like a small detail in a time filled with emotion and decisions, but selecting the standard size urn is an important part of honoring your loved one.
Let’s walk through the basics together and make things simple.
Understanding Urn Sizes: One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Cremation urns come in many shapes and sizes, depending on their purpose. While the term “standard urn” often refers to an urn designed to hold the full ashes of one adult, not every urn fits that description. Let’s break down the most common types of urns by size and purpose:
1. Keepsake Urns – For a Small Part of the Ashes
Keepsake urns are small-sized urns, typically holding just a few tablespoons to a cup of ashes. Families often use them to:
- Divide ashes between multiple family members
- Keep a small part of ashes while scattering or burying the rest
- Use alongside a larger urn, as a personal memento
These urns are perfect when several people want to carry a memory close—literally in the palm of their hand.
2. Child Urns – For Young Children and Infants
Urns for children vary depending on the age and body weight of the child. They are generally smaller than adult urns, designed with great care and compassion. Some may include gentle, symbolic motifs like stars, teddy bears, or angel wings, offering a peaceful tribute for a life taken too soon.
3. Standard Adult Urns – For One Adult
This is what most people think of when they hear “standard size urn.” A typical adult urn is designed to hold the ashes of one adult and usually has a capacity of around 200 to 250 cubic inches. This size is suitable for individuals who weighed up to approximately 100 to 115 kilograms or 220 to 250 pounds before cremation.
4. Companion Urns – For Two People
Companion urns are designed to hold the ashes of two people, usually a couple. They come in two forms:
- A double-capacity urn (400–500 cubic inches)
- Or a divided urn with two separate compartments
These urns are ideal for partners who wish to be together forever, even in rest.
How to Calculate the Right Size? Use the Weight-Based Formula
Still unsure which urn size you need? There’s a general rule of thumb that can help:
1 pound of body weight = 1 cubic inch of ashes
So, if your loved one weighed 180 pounds (about 82 kilograms), you’ll need an urn with at least 180 cubic inches of capacity.
To make things even easier, many websites now offer urn size calculators. You simply enter the person’s weight, and it tells you the ideal urn size. It’s a small tool, but it can take the guesswork out of a very emotional process.
Final Thoughts: The Right Size Is the One That Honors
Choosing an urn isn’t just about measurements—it’s about meaning. Whether you choose a keepsake to keep close, a child urn for a precious little soul, a standard urn for an adult, or a companion urn for eternal love, what matters most is that it feels right for you.
Take your time, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to use tools like the urn capacity calculator. You’re not just choosing a container—you’re choosing a lasting tribute to someone who meant the world to you.
Need Help Choosing?
If you’re still unsure, many funeral professionals and online urn retailers are happy to help. Reach out, and they’ll guide you through the process with care and compassion.
