Understanding the Sizing in Cremation Urns

by Alex Johnson September 20, 2018 3 min read

 GetUrns_urn_Size

The Cremation Association of North America is forecasting that the percentage of cremation for all deaths in the US will jump from 48.5% in 2015 to 54.3% in 2020. Considering that in 1960 the rate was 3.56% this indicates the growing need for cremation.

A final resting place for loved ones should be appropriate and a reflection of their personality and/ or interests. However, the land is becoming scarce and acquiring a cemetery space is becoming harder by the day especially in cities like Dallas, TX. Additionally, people are more mobile, and most may need to move around with their departed loved ones. Cremation, therefore, becomes an option to memorialize your loved one among other reasons, such as environmental factors and financial constraints.

After cremation, cremation urns become the next point of focus. A lot can be done to make the urn appealing and befitting such as adorning by quotes of love, pendants, and art. However, the fundamental consideration is always about the sizing. There are various factors to consider in this regard as explained.

The Body Weight of the Loved One

There are cremation urn calculators online that can be used for determining the size of the urn to order. The commonly accepted formula to calculate what size cremation urn is needed is “one pound of body weight is 1 cubic inch of remains.” There are five main sizes of cremation urns, as well as, memento cremation jewelry. 

Keepsake Urns

The capacity is 3-5 cubic inches. It is the smallest sized urn and will often be appropriate in instances where there is a need for distributing the remains of the loved ones among relatives or friends.

Small Urns

Small urns hold 20-45 cubic inches. These are generally reserved for children and small pets and can be as simple or as elaborate as desired.

Adult Urns

The capacity for this type encompasses medium, large, and extra-large with capacity ranging from 30-300 cubic inches. They can be embellished in different styles as per the wishes of the dearly departed or the loving family and friends.

Cremation Jewelry

Cremation jewelry is a wonderful way of carrying your loved one’s remains with you at all times and comes in a variety of designs, some matching cremation urns. Whether a bracelet or a necklace pendant, each piece has a small hollow area to store cremation ashes.

The Final Resting Place

Cremation urns can either be kept in a beautiful area inside the house, at a public resting place, or even in the environment. In some instances, the ashes can be kept temporally in the urn, while waiting to be dispersed to sentimental environments like rivers, seas, and oceans.

If the family intends to keep the ashes for perpetual remembrance and timeless embracing, the materials can be non-delicate like stone or marble.

On the other hand, if a family wishes to have a final resting place in the ground, there is the biodegradable urn that can integrate the ashes with the soil over time. This type also encompasses the urn for water that is suitable when there is a wish to float the ashes in water with an expectation of interring the departed one into a final water resting place.

There is also the biodegradable urn that will turn your loved one’s ashes into fertilizer to grow into a tree. The capacity is determined by the biology of the specific tree.

Conclusion

Understanding the correct size for a cremation urn is fundamental for ensuring there are no mishaps during your time of grief and remembrance. At GetUrns.com, our goal is to help our customers in any way possible during this time of loss. The key to a seamless process of getting a proper resting place after cremation lies in the consideration of the body mass of the deceased, the use for the urn, and the environment for laying to rest. Contact us today to help determine the best cremation urn for your loved one.

 

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