What Size Urn Do I Need?

When it comes to planning your arrangements, selecting an urn can be a difficult choice. While you may have an idea of what style and shape you’d like your container to be, the sizing is another question altogether. The answer depends on your body weight, the type of urn, and the location of choice. We’ve created this guide to help you determine which urn would be most suitable for your needs.

The size of your container will depend on your weight. To determine what is required, it’s the capacity that’s important, not the exterior measurements. The urn capacity is measured in cubic inches. One pound of body weight is equivalent to one cubic inch. For example, a 100-pound person would need an urn with a capacity of 100 cubic inches. The average adult or individual cremation urn holds 200-250 cubic inches of ashes. You may wish to use some of your remains in items other than a container, like in cremation jewelry. Some families divide the ashes into multiple urns to distribute among loved ones. In these cases, smaller containers may be suitable, such as keepsake urns. These hold roughly 1-6 cubic inches of ashes. Furthermore, you might choose a companion urn - if you have a spouse, this allows for your ashes to be stored together when you both pass on. A companion urn can hold 350-500 cubic inches of cremated remains. Depending on the type of urn you prefer, different sizes are required.

Some families choose to add items of significance to the urn in addition to the ashes. This may include any belongings that carry a special meaning, like a wedding band or photograph. It will require a larger urn to accommodate the additional items. Consider purchasing an urn with extra capacity in case your family would like to put some special belongings in it. To avoid selecting an undersized urn, pick one that holds a few extra cubic inches than what is necessary.

Where will the urn be stored? This is another consideration that will affect its size. If it is kept in a home, then you will need to find a shelf that can support the size and weight of the urn. A simple and dignified wooden urn can fit on almost any shelf or dresser. More intricate and artistic designs may need a larger space to accommodate their shape. In a home with pets or children, the container should be placed in an area where it can’t be easily knocked over. For those who wish to display their urn at a burial plot, you will need a container that fits the dimensions of the location. Some find that an urn is best placed in a private area, such as a bedroom. Others wish to display it in a public area, like a foyer. There are many different styles of containers available, whether you prefer something classic or contemporary, to commemorate a loved one. 

An urn can be too small, but there is nothing wrong with buying an urn that holds more than what you need. In that sense, your options are limitless. Looking for urns for sale in Winnipeg? Alterna Cremation offers a beautiful selection of urns to choose from. Contact us today to learn more about our direct cremation package, or to see our selection of artistic and intricate urns.