What Size Urn Do I Need for My Pet?
Choosing the right urn size for your pet is usually simpler than it seems. The key is determining how much urn capacity you need, which is measured in cubic inches.
As a general rule of thumb, allow approximately 1 cubic inch of urn capacity for every 1 pound of your pet's body weight before cremation.
Urn Size Calculator
Enter your pet's approximate body weight before cremation to estimate the urn capacity needed.
This provides an estimate based on the 1 pound ≈ 1 cubic inch guideline.
Enter a weight to see an estimated capacity.
Sunstone urns that fit about
How Is Urn Capacity Measured?
Cremation urn capacity is measured in cubic inches. Capacity refers to the amount of space available inside the urn for cremated remains.
When comparing urns, pay attention to the listed interior capacity rather than relying only on outside dimensions. Exterior dimensions may also matter when an urn must fit into a particular location.
How Do I Calculate the Right Urn Size?
The simplest estimate is:
Example
If your dog weighed 45 pounds before cremation:
You would generally look for an urn with at least approximately 45 cubic inches of capacity.
This is an estimate. Actual cremated remains can vary, so if you already have the remains, measuring the container they are currently in or asking the crematory for the approximate volume can provide a more specific indication.
Quick Urn Size Reference
| Pet's Weight | Approximate Capacity Needed |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs (cat / small breed) | 5 cu. in. |
| 10 lbs | 10 cu. in. |
| 20 lbs | 20 cu. in. |
| 35 lbs | 35 cu. in. |
| 50 lbs | 50 cu. in. |
| 70 lbs | 70 cu. in. |
| 90 lbs | 90 cu. in. |
| 120 lbs (giant breed) | 120 cu. in. |
These are estimates based on the general 1 pound ≈ 1 cubic inch guideline.
Cat & Small Dog Urns
Smaller pets, such as cats and small breeds, generally need a modest capacity — often under 40 cubic inches.
Large Dog & Companion Urns
Large breeds, or a single urn kept for more than one pet, call for greater capacity. Sunstone Memorials' companion collection covers these higher-capacity needs.
Need a Different Capacity?
Compare the capacity listed on each product with the estimated capacity from the calculator before choosing your urn.
Already Have the Cremated Remains?
If the cremated remains are already in your possession, you may be able to estimate the required urn capacity by measuring the container holding them.
How to Measure
- Place the bag containing the cremated remains inside a box with flat sides.
- Measure the height, width, and depth of the space occupied by the remains, in inches.
- Multiply the three measurements together, or use the calculator below.
Your crematory or funeral home may also be able to help confirm the approximate capacity needed.
Does Breed or Body Frame Matter?
Weight is the best simple starting point for estimating urn capacity for a pet. Build can vary between breeds — a compact, heavy-boned dog and a tall, lean dog of the same weight can differ slightly — but weight remains the most reliable guide.
A note on choosing a little extra room
When a pet's weight falls between two urn sizes, or when you are working from an estimate rather than a known figure, choosing the next size up is a safe approach. A small amount of extra interior capacity does not affect the appearance of the urn.
What Else Should I Consider When Choosing an Urn?
- Whether all of the cremated remains will be kept together.
- Whether some of your pet's remains will be kept in a keepsake or shared with family.
- Whether you want a keepsake or another memorial option.
- The urn's interior capacity.
- The urn's exterior dimensions.
- Whether the urn must fit within a specific niche or memorial space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size urn do I need for my pet?
A commonly used starting point is approximately 1 cubic inch of urn capacity for every 1 pound of your pet's body weight before cremation. For example, a dog that weighed 45 pounds would generally need approximately 45 cubic inches of capacity.
What size urn do I need for a cat?
Cats typically weigh about 8 to 12 pounds, so a capacity of roughly 10 to 15 cubic inches is often enough. Choosing a little extra room is always fine.
How do I calculate urn capacity?
Multiply the interior length, width, and height in inches to estimate volume in cubic inches.
Does 1 pound equal 1 cubic inch of ashes?
The commonly used sizing guideline is approximately 1 cubic inch of urn capacity for every 1 pound of your pet's body weight before cremation. This is an estimate, not an exact measurement.
What if I already have the cremated remains?
You can measure the container holding the remains to estimate the volume, or ask the crematory or funeral home for guidance on the approximate capacity required.
Can one urn hold more than one pet?
Yes. A companion or larger-capacity urn can hold the remains of more than one pet. The capacity you need depends on the pets' combined weight.
Do urn dimensions matter?
Yes. Capacity determines how much the urn can hold, while exterior dimensions determine whether the urn will fit in a particular location.
Need Help Choosing the Right Urn?
If you're unsure which size or style is right for your needs, Sunstone Memorials is happy to help.
Call during business hours or email anytime. If we're unavailable, please leave a message and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Looking to size an urn for a person? See our Cremation Urn Size Guide.