Choosing the Right Urn Size: A Simple Guide for Families

At Clearview Cremation, we’re committed to making the cremation process as clear, straightforward, and compassionate as possible — including helping you choose the right urn for your loved one. One of the most common questions we hear from families is:

“What size urn do I need?”

In this short guide, we’ll explain the different types of urn sizes, how to choose the right one, and what to consider if you're planning to divide ashes among family members or place the urn in a columbarium or other resting place.

What We Include at Clearview

As part of our all-inclusive direct cremation service, we provide families with a high-quality, handmade adult-size urn — you can choose between a wooden or metal option at no additional cost. Both are crafted with care and dignity and are designed to comfortably hold the full amount of ashes for most adults.

We believe this should be a given, not an add-on.

Understanding Urn Sizes

Urns come in a range of sizes to accommodate different needs. The size you’ll need depends primarily on the weight of your loved one before cremation and whether you’re keeping all of the ashes together or sharing them among family members.

Here are the most common urn categories:

1. Standard (Adult) Urn

• Capacity: Approximately 180–220 cubic inches
• Best For: Most adults up to ~200 lbs
• Details: This is the most commonly used urn size and is designed to hold all of the cremated remains of a single adult. Most columbarium niches and burial vaults are built to accommodate this size.
• Included with Clearview: Yes. Our included urns are built to this size specification to meet most needs without additional cost or complexity.

2. Companion Urn

• Capacity: 350–440+ cubic inches
• Best For: Two adults, often used for couples
• Details: Companion urns are designed to hold the cremated remains of two people, often spouses or partners. They come as either a single large chamber or with a divider to separate the ashes within the same urn.
• Considerations: Families often choose a companion urn when preplanning or when both loved ones have expressed the wish to remain together after passing. Make sure the urn fits your chosen niche or display area if storing long-term.

3. Medium Urn

• Capacity: 70–120 cubic inches
• Best For: Partial remains, individuals under 100 lbs, or when ashes are being divided
• Details: Medium-sized urns are a practical choice when one person is keeping only a portion of the ashes, or when the decedent was smaller in stature. They're also useful if you're combining cremated remains with burial or scattering.
• Common Uses: Shared among family members, used for travel, or for temporary placement prior to final disposition.

4. Keepsake Urn

• Capacity: Typically 1–50 cubic inches (varies widely)
• Best For: Holding a symbolic amount of remains
• Details: These are the smallest urns and are often used when ashes are being divided among loved ones or kept in a personal space like a nightstand or shelf. Keepsakes can also come in sets for families who each want a remembrance piece.
• Design Options: Available in a wide variety of materials, shapes, and styles — from miniature versions of full-size urns to more discreet, decorative keepsakes.

Special Considerations

• Dividing Ashes: If multiple family members will receive part of the ashes, you may want several keepsake urns, or a combination of one standard urn and a few smaller keepsakes.
• Columbarium or Burial: Check with the cemetery or columbarium to ensure your selected urn complies with niche dimensions or burial vault requirements. Some require urn vaults, which may affect the final size choice.
• Travel: If you plan to travel with the urn (especially by air), make sure it is TSA-compliant. Most airlines recommend urns made of wood, biodegradable materials, or plastic rather than metal or ceramic.

Need Help Deciding?

We understand this process can feel overwhelming. That’s why at Clearview Cremation, we’re always here to help. Whether you're selecting one of our included urn options or exploring custom keepsakes, we’ll walk you through your choices and ensure everything reflects your loved one’s memory with dignity and respect.

Have More Questions?

We’re just a call or text away. Whether you're making arrangements now or planning ahead, Clearview is honored to support you with clarity, compassion, and care.