The 1:1 Rule for Urns
(and Why Real-World Experience Tells a Fuller Story)
Understanding Urn Capacity: Why “One Cubic Inch per Pound” Isn’t Always Accurate
Most cremation urns are sized using an old industry rule of thumb: “one cubic inch of space for every pound of body weight.” This guideline dates back decades—when the average adult was smaller—and it was meant as a quick way for funeral homes to recommend urn sizes.
But the truth is, cremains are made up of bone fragments, not body weight. Fat, fluid, and muscle are completely reduced during cremation, leaving only the skeletal remains.
What Actually Affects Cremation Volume
The true volume of cremains depends on several real-world factors:
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Height and frame (skeletal size)
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Age (bone density changes over time)
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Crematory process (the fineness of processing can alter the final volume)
Because of these variables, two people of the same weight can leave very different amounts of cremains depending on their build and the crematory’s process.
Our Real-World Findings
Over the years, we’ve studied actual family experiences and confirmed that most adults’ cremains fit comfortably within a 130 cubic inch space. For example, our Guitar Picker YURN (130 ci) has held full remains for countless families without issue.
In rare cases—such as for someone very tall or with a dense frame—families may choose to:
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Scatter a portion of the ashes in a meaningful place, or
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Let us create a keepsake or larger custom urn for added space.
Custom Sizes & Confident Sizing
If you’d like the peace of mind that comes with extra room, we can design a custom YURN to fit any capacity needed. Every piece is handcrafted, so adjusting internal space is something we’re happy to discuss early in the process.
We’re here to help you feel confident in your choice—ensuring the piece you select honors your loved one’s memory beautifully and securely.
