Urn Size Calculator

As a general guide, an adult cremation urn for ashes should be 3-3.5 litres or 180-215 cubic inches. This, of course, can vary somewhat depending on the person's height, bone density, and other factors.

Urn Size Calculator

When selecting an urn, understanding how size is measured is crucial to ensure it accommodates your loved one’s cremated remains. Urn size is calculated in cubic inches, with one cubic inch measuring 1″ long, 1″ wide, and 1″ deep. Below, we provide a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right urn size and useful charts for men and women.

Standard Urn Sizes

Most adult cremation urns have an interior capacity of approximately 200 cubic inches, which is the industry standard for an adult urn. For couples, companion urns have a capacity of about 400 cubic inches to hold the remains of two individuals.

The Rule of Thumb for Urn Sizing

A simple way to estimate the required urn size is to use this formula:

1 pound of body weight = 1 cubic inch of cremated remains.

For example:

A person weighing 175 pounds will need an urn with a capacity of 175 cubic inches.

While this method is generally accurate, exceptions can occur due to:

Bone density or body frame size.
Cremation process factors, including variations in cremation machines or medical implants like pins.

The rule of thumb works well in most situations, as the cremated remains are typically slightly less than the individual’s body weight.

Urn Size Charts

Refer to the urn size charts below to provide a more specific estimate. These approximate cubic inch measurements are based on height and body frame.

Urn Size Chart for Women

Use the chart below to find the general estimate of cubic inches needed for a woman based on height and body type.

Height	Small Frame	Medium Frame	Large Frame
4’10”	102-111	109-121	118-131
4’11”	103-113	111-123	120-134
5’0″	104-115	113-126	122-137
5’1″	106-118	115-129	125-140
5’2″	108-121	118-132	128-143
5’3″	111-124	121-135	131-147
5’4″	114-127	124-138	134-151
5’5″	117-130	127-141	137-155
5’6″	120-133	130-144	140-159
5’7″	123-136	133-147	143-163
5’8″	126-139	136-150	146-167
5’9″	129-142	139-153	149-170
5’10”	132-145	142-156	152-173
5’11”	135-148	145-159	155-176
6’0″	138-151	148-162	158-179

Please note that these sizes and ranges are approximate. The most accurate way to calculate the amount of remains is shown below.

Urn Size Chart for Men

Find the individual’s height on the chart below and determine if they had a small, medium, or large frame. The number you find will be the approximate cubic inches of ashes estimated based on their height and body type.

Height	Small Frame	Medium Frame	Large Frame
5’1″	128-134	131-141	138-150
5’3″	130-136	133-143	140-153
5’4″	132-138	135-145	142-156
5’5″	134-140	137-148	144-160
5’6″	136-142	139-151	146-164
5’7″	138-145	142-154	149-168
5’8″	140-148	145-157	152-172
5’9″	142-151	148-160	155-176
5’10”	144-154	151-163	158-180
5’11”	146-157	154-166	161-184
6’0″	149-160	157-170	164-188
6’1″	152-164	160-174	168-192
6’2″	155-168	164-178	172-197
6’3″	158-172	167-182	176-202
6’4″	162-176	171-187	181-207

Please note that these sizes and ranges are approximate. The only way to 100% guarantee the amount of ashes is to measure them physically.

Measuring Cremated Remains

For the most accurate measurement, follow these steps:

Place the ashes (usually in a plastic bag) into a box with flat sides, such as the temporary urn box provided by the crematory.
Measure the height, width, and depth of the ashes in inches.
Multiply these measurements to calculate the total volume in cubic inches.

For example:
If the ashes fill a box that measures 8″ (width) x 6″ (depth) x 3.75″ (height), the volume would be:
8 x 6 x 3.75 = 180 cubic inches.

Quick Conversion Tips

1 pound = 1 cubic inch of ashes (approximate).
1 cup = 14.44 cubic inches of ashes (useful for small keepsake urns).

Final Thoughts

These charts and formulas provide a helpful guide to estimating urn size. However, every individual is unique, and factors like body frame and the cremation process can affect the amount of remains. If you have any questions, our team is here to help you choose the perfect urn to honour your loved one with dignity and care. You can contact us via https://whittakersmemorials.com/contact-us/.

If you need further advice on handling cremated remains, you can visit Public Health England: Guidance on Cremated Remains https://www.gov.uk ( Search for cremation regulations)

Measuring For Pets