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The common guideline is about 1 cubic inch of urn capacity for each pound of body weight. Enter an approximate weight below to see a recommended size and the types of urns that fit your plans.
Urn size guide
| Urn type | Typical capacity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Keepsake | About 3 to 20 cubic inches | A small portion to share among family |
| Small / medium | About 50 to 150 cubic inches | Children, smaller adults, or dividing remains |
| Standard adult | About 200 cubic inches | Most adults up to about 200 pounds |
| Large / extra-large | 250 cubic inches or more | Larger adults, or extra room |
| Companion | About 400 cubic inches | Two people, sometimes with two compartments |
Sizing is approximate. The volume of cremated remains varies with bone density and build, so when in doubt choose a slightly larger urn.
Types of urns
- Adult urns hold all of one person’s remains and come in metal, wood, ceramic, stone and composite materials.
- Keepsake urns hold a small portion. They are popular when ashes are shared or when most are scattered.
- Companion urns hold two people’s remains, often a couple.
- Biodegradable urns are made of paper, salt, sand or plant materials and break down in soil or water. Water urns are designed to float briefly and then sink and dissolve.
- Scattering tubes make scattering easier and are often recyclable.
Read how to choose an urn for more on materials and price.
Before you buy
- Niche: Ask the cemetery for the niche’s interior dimensions.
- Burial: Many cemeteries require an urn vault; ask first.
- Travel: For flying, use a container that passes airport X-ray. See flying with cremated remains.
- Funeral home: You may buy an urn anywhere; the funeral home may not charge a fee to use it.