Short answer: Cremation urns hold a loved one's ashes, also called cremated remains. They come in full-size, keepsake, scattering and biodegradable types. A commonly cited rule is about one cubic inch of capacity per pound of body weight, so ask the provider to confirm. Check any cemetery or travel rules before you buy.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no cost to you. This never changes our guidance.
What are cremation urns, and what do they do?
Please read this first
Funeral Clear does not make or sell memorial products yet. This page is a free guide. If you would like help finding an independent maker, you can send us a request, with no obligation and no promise of a reply time.
A cremation urn is a container for ashes. Most families receive the ashes from the crematory in a plastic or cardboard container inside a box. An urn is a more lasting place to keep them, bury them, place them in a niche or hold them until scattering.
There is no single right choice. Some families want a simple wooden box. Others want something made by hand, or a small urn for each relative. The best starting point is what you plan to do with the ashes, because that decides the type, the size and the materials.
What types of urns for ashes are there?
Most urns fall into a few groups. The group depends on where the ashes will go and how many people will share them.
| Type | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Full-size urn | Keeping all the ashes in one place, at home or in a niche | Check the capacity against the person's weight |
| Keepsake urn | Sharing a small portion among family members | Holds a small amount, often only a few cubic inches |
| Scattering urn | Releasing ashes on land or water | Designed to open or pour cleanly |
| Biodegradable urn | Burial in soil or release in water | Made to break down; ask how fast and where it may be used |
| Companion urn | Two people together | Larger capacity, often a single piece |
| Custom or handmade urn | A shape or design with personal meaning | Made by an independent maker, so timelines vary |
Biodegradable urns are made from materials such as paper, salt, sand or plant fibre. Some are meant for water and some for soil. They are not interchangeable, so ask which one the maker designed for your plan.
How big should an urn be? Urn size and capacity
Capacity is measured in cubic inches. A commonly cited rule of thumb is about one cubic inch for each pound of the person's body weight before cremation. Ask the provider or crematory to confirm, because the real volume can differ.
If you are unsure, choose a slightly larger urn. An urn that is too small is the most common problem, and it is hard to fix after the fact. For a keepsake urn, the size is a choice, not a calculation: you decide how much to share.
- Ask the crematory or funeral home to tell you the likely volume of the ashes.
- Read the capacity in cubic inches, not just the outside dimensions.
- If you plan to bury or place the urn in a niche, check the maximum size the cemetery allows first.
What materials are urns made from?
Materials affect weight, look, durability and where an urn can go. These are the common ones:
- Wood: warm and familiar, and often accepted for niches and burial. Check whether it needs an outer container.
- Metal: brass, bronze and steel are durable and often used for display at home.
- Ceramic and glass: can be very personal in design, but are more fragile.
- Stone and marble: heavy and permanent, suited to a fixed place.
- Biodegradable materials: made to return to the earth or water.
- 3D-printed materials: shaped from a design that fits your idea. See our guide to 3D-printed urns.
Can I fly with ashes? Cemetery and niche rules
The TSA allows cremated remains in carry-on baggage, provided the container can pass through the X-ray machine. A container that is too dense for the scanner may not be allowed through, and an officer will not open it. Many families carry a temporary container for the trip. Check with your airline too, because rules differ, and carry the crematory paperwork.
Cemeteries and columbaria set their own rules about urn size, material and whether an outer container is needed. These rules are written, so ask for them before you buy anything.
- Maximum external size for a niche or plotNiches are often small; this is the rule that surprises families most
- Whether the urn must be placed inside an outer containerSome cemeteries require one for burial
- Material limitsSome places do not allow glass or certain finishes
- Any engraving or plaque rulesWording and font may be set by the cemetery
- The airline's rule for the containerAsk before the trip, not at the gate
How do I choose, and where do I go next?
- Decide what will happen to the ashes: keep, bury, place in a niche, scatter or share.
- Set the capacity and any size limit from the cemetery or niche.
- Choose a material that fits the plan and how you will handle the urn.
- If you want something made for your loved one, read how commissioning works before you contact a maker.
- Ask the provider for a written description of what you are getting.
The FTC Funeral Rule lets you buy an urn from any source and says a funeral provider must offer alternative containers. You do not have to buy from the crematory or funeral home.
- 3D-printed urns
How custom-shaped urns are made and what to ask.
- How to commission a custom memorial
Questions, timelines and red flags before you hire a maker.
- What to do with ashes
Options for keeping, burying and scattering.
- About cremation
How cremation works and what to ask a provider.
- Ask us about an independent maker
Tell us what you have in mind and we will try to match you with an independent maker.
Related services
- Cremation services: options, process and costHow cremation works, cremation cost, how direct cremation differs from cremation with a service, what prices include, and your rights under the FTC Funeral Rule.See this service →
- Direct cremation: what it includes and what it does notDirect cremation is cremation soon after death with no ceremony. See direct cremation cost, what is included, timing and how to find a provider near you.See this service →
- Memorial services and celebrations of lifeA memorial service honors someone without the body present. Learn about timing, venues, formats, what it costs to host one and how to plan it calmly.See this service →
- Burial and cemetery guideUnderstand burial options and cemetery terms: plot types, opening and closing, vaults and liners, headstones, perpetual care, and the questions to ask.See this service →
Frequently asked questions
What size urn do I need for ashes?
A commonly cited rule is about one cubic inch of capacity per pound of the person's body weight, so ask the crematory or provider to confirm. Choose slightly larger if you are unsure, and check any niche or cemetery size limit before buying.
Can you take ashes on a plane?
Yes, the TSA allows cremated remains in carry-on baggage if the container can be X-rayed. A container the scanner cannot see through may not be allowed, so many families use a temporary container for travel and check with the airline.
Do I have to buy an urn from the funeral home?
No. You may buy an urn from another source, and the FTC Funeral Rule requires cremation providers to make alternative containers available. Compare what is offered and ask for itemized details.
What is a biodegradable urn?
A biodegradable urn is a container made to break down in soil or water, often from paper, salt, sand or plant fibre. Each is designed for either land or water, so ask the maker which use it was made for.
What is a keepsake urn?
A keepsake urn is a small urn that holds a portion of the ashes so family members can each keep some. It holds only a small amount, so it is usually chosen along with a larger urn or a plan for the rest.
Do cemeteries have rules about urns?
Yes, many do. Cemeteries and columbaria can set limits on urn size, material and whether an outer container is required, so ask for the written rules before you buy.
Can I scatter ashes from any urn?
No, scattering needs a container that opens or pours cleanly, and local rules also apply. A scattering urn or a water-soluble urn is made for this, and our ashes ideas guide covers permits and rules.
What keepsakes can be made from a loved one's ashes?
Several kinds of keepsakes can be made from a small portion of ashes, and many families choose them as a personal way to remember a loved one. Options include jewelry, glass art, keepsake urns, memorial stones, and pressed or sealed pieces. A small amount of ashes is usually enough. Funeral Clear does not manufacture or sell memorial products at this time, and this page is for information and referral only. What to ask: ask any artist or maker how much of the ashes they need, how the item is made, and how the ashes are handled and returned.
Can ashes be made into jewelry?
Yes, a small amount of cremated remains can be sealed in or incorporated into jewelry such as pendants, rings, or bracelets. Some designs hold ashes in a small chamber, while others blend them into glass or resin. Prices vary widely by material and craftsmanship. Funeral Clear does not make or sell jewelry, and we provide information only. What to ask: ask the maker how the ashes are handled, whether you can send a small amount or deliver them in person, what is returned to you, and what the return and repair policies are.
Can ashes be turned into glass art?
Yes, some artists blend a small amount of cremated remains into molten glass to make paperweights, ornaments, orbs, or sculptures. Each piece is handmade, so patterns and colors vary, and no two are exactly alike. Turnaround can take several weeks, depending on the artist's schedule. The ashes are mixed or encased, and the amount needed is usually small. Funeral Clear does not make or sell glass memorials, and this answer is for information only. What to ask: ask the artist how much ashes are needed, how they track and protect the remains, and what happens if a piece breaks during production.
How can ashes be shared among family members?
Ashes can be divided among relatives, and many families do this so that several people have a keepsake. A funeral home or crematory can often portion the ashes into several small keepsake urns, or you can do it carefully at home with a clean scoop and sealed containers. Discuss the plan with all family members before dividing, since this step cannot be undone and relatives may feel strongly about it. Label each container clearly. What to ask: ask the provider whether they offer this service and what it costs, and ask whether any local rules affect keeping or transporting portions of ashes.
How do I choose a trustworthy maker of memorial keepsakes?
A trustworthy maker will explain clearly how they handle ashes, what they charge, and what you will receive. Look for clear pricing, written policies for chain of custody, return of unused ashes, and a way to contact them by phone or email. Reviews can help, but check more than one source. Be cautious of any maker that pressures you or is unclear about shipping or insurance. What to ask: ask how the ashes are tracked, how long production takes, what the warranty is, and what happens if you are not satisfied. Funeral Clear does not make these items.
Is 3D printing a memorial safe and private?
3D printed memorials, such as a small figure or a model of a hand or face, can be meaningful, but privacy deserves a few questions. A provider may use photos, scans, or measurements, and those files could be stored or shared. Ask before you send anything. Some products may also include a small amount of ashes mixed into material. Funeral Clear does not produce 3D printed memorials, and this is information only. What to ask: ask what data the provider collects, how long it is kept, whether it is deleted on request, and whether it is used for any other purpose.
Related searches
Compare itemized prices from local providers
Tell us what you are considering and we will try to match you with licensed local providers who quote itemized prices. No pressure and no obligation.