The cremation urn industry has many of urn types and sizes can that are designed to fit within a range for that urn’s purposes. Adult, infant and child, urns for two, keepsakes etc.
What you need to know about the size of the Cremation Urn is the urn’s capacity which is measured in cubic inches and the actual outside dimensions. Calculating the cubic inches needed is a simple rule of thumb to follow. For every pound the person or pet weighs, 1 cubic inch of cremation urn space is needed. 1 pound = 1 cubic inch.
These numbers are guidelines and a rule of thumb. They are never guaranteed. If you are at all concerned about if the urn is large enough, then it is suggested that you choose an urn that list the cubic inches / weight amount that is slightly larger or comfortably within that size range of what your requirements are.
You may have to choose another design, because not all urns are made in multiple sizes. If you need an extra large urn, you can shop in that category or look at companion urns. Many of them are single chamber that can be used for both purposes. Remember, you can always go a little to big if you like the urn, but too small will not work.
Different final resting places make a need for different types of unique cremation urns. If your loved one is interred in a column barium or niche, there will be definite size maximums for height, length and depth. Be sure to check with the Cemetery to find out what size you need. They may also want you to have a cremation vault, which is a container that the cremation urns sit in.
There are basically 5 size categories for Cremation Urns. We have listed them below:
Adult or Individual Cremation Urns – These are what most people purchase. They have an approximate capacity of 180 – 300 cubic inches or so.
Small or infant urns will generally hold from 10 cubic inches up to 100 cubic inches with the same cubic inch to pound calculation applied
Keepsake Cremation Urns are usually within a range of 1-30 cubic inches which ranges from tiny to small amounts of ashes. These types of urns were created to hold a percentage of ashes, divided usually among family member so they may all have remains of their loved ones with them, or to keep a small amount when the ashes are to be scattered or buried.
Companion Urns or Extra Large Urns – If you need an urn for two or a large capacity urn for one person, they are specifically designed to hold the remains of up to two adult individuals. These urns are approximately 350 – 500 cubic inches, or two people with a combined weight of 350 – 500 pounds.
Cremation Jewelry are usually average out to hold about 1-2 cubic inches of ashes. This is an extremely small amount or a “token amount” as they are usually describes on the product descriptions on cremation urn websites..
When you are shopping for urns, there are so many lovely ones to choose from, check the cubic inches parameters for each design first before going any further so you know it fits every criteria needed.