Choosing an urn capacity
Choosing the right capacity helps ensure your urn has enough room for the ashes you wish to keep. Begin with how much it needs to hold, then check that its outside dimensions suit the place where it will rest.
What does urn capacity mean?
Capacity is the amount of usable space inside an urn. It is usually listed in cubic inches, sometimes written as in³. This is different from the urn’s height, width and depth. A tall or decorative urn is not necessarily large enough inside, so always check the stated capacity rather than judging from a photograph.
Estimating capacity for all the ashes
For conventional cremation, a commonly used planning guideline is approximately one cubic inch of urn capacity for each pound of body weight before cremation. Use this as a starting estimate, not a guarantee of the final volume.
- For someone who weighed approximately 120 pounds, start by looking for at least 120 cubic inches.
- For someone who weighed approximately 180 pounds, start by looking for at least 180 cubic inches.
- For someone who weighed approximately 220 pounds, start by looking for at least 220 cubic inches.
Choose a capacity a little above the estimate rather than a tight fit. If your estimate is 180 cubic inches, for example, an urn listed at 200 cubic inches provides additional space. If you know the weight only in kilograms, multiply it by approximately 2.2 to estimate pounds.
Full-size, keepsake and companion urns
A full-size urn is intended to hold one person’s ashes, but the term “full-size” does not promise a particular capacity. Check the individual product details against the space you need.
A keepsake urn holds only a portion of the ashes. It can be used when ashes are shared among family members, or when a small remembrance is kept after scattering. Keepsake capacities vary, so check each one separately.
A companion urn is intended for two people. Consider the combined capacity needed, and check whether the design has one shared space or separate compartments. Do not assume every companion urn has the same arrangement.
If the ashes will be shared
Choose each urn for the portion it will hold, rather than choosing every urn for the full amount. Your funeral director or crematorium can help establish the volume of each portion before you order. Do not assume a small keepsake will hold an equal share without checking its capacity.
Check the container and opening
If you wish to place an existing bag or container inside the urn, ask your funeral director to confirm that it will fit through the opening and inside the urn. Sufficient listed capacity does not by itself confirm that a particular container will fit.
Capacity and placement are separate checks
For a columbarium niche, obtain the available internal height, width and depth before choosing. Compare those measurements with the urn’s external dimensions, including its lid and any projecting decoration. An urn can have enough capacity for the ashes and still be too large for the niche.
If the urn will be buried, ask the cemetery about its urn and container requirements before purchasing.
When you are unsure
The most useful confirmation comes from the funeral director or crematorium handling the ashes. Ask them to confirm the capacity needed, particularly if the ashes are already available or a process other than conventional cremation was used. There is no need to rely on an estimate when the actual volume can be checked.
Before ordering, confirm three things: enough internal capacity, suitable external dimensions, and an opening that works for the intended contents.