how to choose an urn size?
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The general rule for selecting the correct urn size is one pound of body weight is approximately equal to one cubic inch of urn needed. For instance, if your loved one was 180 lbs. you will most likely need the urn to be at least 180 cubic inches. When in doubt, a bigger urn is typically better, since the process of moving it to its appropriate spot can cause damage.
This basic rule can help most families choose the ideal urn size, without making any complex calculations.
The Convenience of the Quick Urn Size Chart
It can be useful to plot the size of the urn you might need as a quick guide from the chart below.
| Body Weight | Recommended Urn Capacity |
|---|---|
| 100 lbs | 100 Cubic Inches |
| 125 lbs | 125 Cubic Inches |
| 150 lbs | 150 Cubic Inches |
| 175 lbs | 175 Cubic Inches |
| 200 lbs | 200 Cubic Inches |
| 250 lbs | 250 Cubic Inches |
| 300 lbs | 300 Cubic Inches |
Helpful Tip: If your loved one's size is between two urns, then it is best to consider the bigger urn.
Why Does Urn Size Matter?
Choosing the correct urn size is important because the urn needs enough space to hold all of the cremated remains.
Many people assume that a taller urn automatically holds more ashes, but that isn't always true. The most important measurement is the urn's cubic inch capacity, not its height.
An urn that is slightly larger than needed is usually fine. However, an urn that is too small may not be able to hold all of the ashes.
How Are Urn Sizes Measured?
Most cremation urns are measured in cubic inches.
A cubic inch measures the amount of space inside the urn. This number tells you how much cremated remains the urn can hold. That's why funeral homes and urn manufacturers often list the urn capacity instead of just the physical dimensions.
For example:
- A 150 cubic inch urn holds approximately 150 cubic inches of cremated remains.
- A 200 cubic inch urn holds approximately 200 cubic inches of cremated remains.
- A 300 cubic inch urn holds approximately 300 cubic inches of cremated remains.
What Is the Standard Urn Size?
The most common adult urn size is 200 cubic inches.
Most adult urns have a capacity between 180 and 220 cubic inches, making them suitable for many adults.
Because this size works for many families, a 200 cubic inch urn is often considered the standard choice.
Urn Sizes for Adults
Adult urns are available in different sizes depending on the amount of cremated remains they need to hold.
Small Adult Urns
Small adult urns are often used for smaller individuals or when only a portion of ashes will be stored.
Large Adult Urns
These urns are designed for larger individuals.
Always check the urn capacity before making a purchase.
Urn Sizes in Inches
Many families want to know how large an urn will be physically.
While sizes vary by design, these are common measurements:
| Type of Urn | Approximate Height |
|---|---|
| Keepsake Urn | 2-5 inches |
| Child Urn | 5-8 inches |
| Adult Urn | 9-12 inches |
| Companion Urn | 10-14 inches |
Keep in mind that urn height does not always determine capacity.
Urn Sizes in CM
If you prefer metric measurements, here are the approximate urn sizes in centimetres.
| Type of Urn | Approximate Height |
|---|---|
| Keepsake Urn | 5-13 cm |
| Child Urn | 13-20 cm |
| Adult Urn | 23-30 cm |
| Companion Urn | 25-35 cm |
Many online stores display measurements in both inches and centimetres to make comparisons easier.
What Are the Dimensions of a 200 Cubic Inch Urn?
A 200 cubic inch urn is one of the most commonly purchased urn sizes.
Typical dimensions are:
- Height: 10-11 inches
- Width: 6-7 inches
- Height: 25-28 cm
The exact dimensions may vary depending on the shape and design of the urn.
For most adults who weight around 200 pounds or less, a 200 cubic inch urn is usually a good choice.
How to Use an Urn Size Calculator
An urn size calculator is based on the same simple formula used throughout the funeral industry.
Body Weight = Recommended Urn Capacity
This method provides a quick estimate and works well in most situations.
What Size Urn Do I Need for a 300 Pound Man?
A person who weight around 300 pounds will generally need an urn with at least 300 cubic inches of capacity.
Many families choose a slightly larger urn to ensure there is enough room.
Common choices include:
- 300 cubic inch urn
- 320 cubic inch urn
- 350 cubic inch urn
If you are unsure, choosing a larger urn is usually the safer option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing Based Only on Appearance
A beautiful urn may not be the right size. Always check the capacity first.
Ignoring Cubic Inch Capacity
The capacity tells you how much the urn can hold. This is more important than height or width.
Choosing an Urn That Is Too Small
When in doubt, go one size larger.
Forgetting About Keepsake Urns
If family members want to share ashes, keepsake urns can be purchased alongside a full-size urn.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an urn size doesn't have to be difficult. The easiest way to estimate the right size is to remember one simple rule:
1 pound of body weight usually equals 1 cubic inch of urn capacity.
For many adults, a 200 cubic inch urn is the standard choice. Larger urns are available for individuals who need more capacity, while keepsake urns are available for families who wish to share a small portion of ashes.
By checking the urn's cubic inch capacity before purchasing, you can feel confident that you've chosen the right memorial for your loved one.
