One of the most important decisions families face when looking for urns for multiple family members isn’t just the design; it’s choosing the right size. Understanding an urn’s capacity is key to deciding whether it’s for a couple or several loved ones. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide, where you’ll learn everything, you need to know to help you make the right choice:
What you’ll learn in this comprehensive guide:
- • What is a companion urn?
- • What size do you need?
- • How to calculate the right capacity?
- • And what options are available for multiple family members
What Is a Companion Urn?
Companion urns are urns designed to hold the ashes of two people in a single container.
They are commonly used for:
• Couples
• Married couples
• And very close family members
Today, urns for multiple family members are part of broader solutions, especially when the goal is to keep several loved ones together.
Why is size so important?
Because we often choose a vase based solely on its appearance, and this is undoubtedly one of the most common mistakes; for double vases, this is a very important factor to consider.
It’s important to know that urns should NOT be judged by their external size. They should be judged by their internal capacity. This means that what matters isn’t how big it looks, but how much it can hold.
Standard rule of thumb for calculating size
This standard rule is widely used to help with the selection process.
• 1 pound of body weight ≈ 1 cubic inch of ashes
Example:
A person weighing 180 pounds → needs a 180-cubic-inch urn
A person weighing 150 pounds → needs a 150-cubic-inch urn
This is one of the fundamental rules when choosing urns for multiple family members.
Standard Size of a Companion Urn
Double urns typically range in size from 350 to 500 cubic inches. The most common average is 400 cubic inches
But why 400? It is the most common average
Because a standard single urn is 200 cubic inches, so we can say that an urn for two people would be 400 cubic inches
A step-by-step guide to calculating the correct size
You can use our image of the standard rule of thumb as a reference to correctly choose a casket for multiple people:
• Total size = weight of person 1 + weight of person 2 + additional margin
Example:
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Based on this information, the recommended size is 320 to 350 cubic inches.
Why leave extra space?
It is highly recommended to leave or add some extra space because the ashes are placed inside bags, and some urns may have internal compartments. Additionally, there may be some variation in the volume compared to the initial calculation.
Types of Urns for Multiple Family Members
For urns for multiple family members, you have several options:
Often, family members wish to preserve the memory of a loved one; for this purpose, there are different types of urns specifically designed to share ashes in a respectful and meaningful way.
1. Double Urns or Companion Urns (for two people)
These are designed to hold the ashes of two people, usually couples or close family members. These urns typically have a larger capacity and come in two styles:
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Shared interior: the ashes are mixed together in a single space as a symbol of eternal union.
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Separate compartments: each person’s ashes are kept separate within the same urn.
2. Urns with Compartments
These are individual urns that incorporate internal dividers to keep the ashes separate within the same structure.
This type of design can be practical for families who wish to keep the ashes together initially but retain the option to separate them in the future if they so desire.
3. Mini Urns or Sharing Urns
Mini urns, also known as shared or keepsake urns, are designed to hold small portions of ashes.
These urns are one of the most common options when several family members or friends wish to keep a personal memento of their loved one in their homes.}
These urns are typically made from various materials, such as:
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wood
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metal
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ceramic
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glass
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or biodegradable materials.
4. Complementary or connected urns
A more modern and symbolic alternative is complementary urns: two separate urns designed to connect visually or conceptually with one another.
Unlike traditional double urns with internal compartments, these urns consist of two separate pieces that complement each other through their shape, engraving, or design.
This option allows the ashes to be kept completely separate while preserving the symbolism of unity, companionship, and shared memory.
5. Combined Approach: Main Urn + Mini Urns
Many families opt for a combination of a main urn and several mini urns.
That is, the main urn holds the majority of the ashes, while small keepsake urns are distributed among children, siblings, or other close relatives.
This approach balances the collective tribute with the personal remembrance of each family member.
Mixed or Separate Ashes?
Companion urns offer two options:
One is a shared-interior design, meaning the ashes are mixed together to symbolize eternal union.
There are also urns with separate compartments, where each person has their own space within the urn. This is a more practical option if you wish to separate them later.
It’s important to remember that once the ashes are mixed, they cannot be separated again.
Common mistakes when choosing the size
- Choosing based on design without considering capacity
- Not calculating the total weight of the contents
- Not leaving extra space
- Assuming that double urns are the same
When should you choose a larger urn?
When looking for a larger urn, consider the following:
- You don’t have the exact weight yet
- The urn will have compartments
- There will be more than two people
- You want more flexibility
Conclusion
Choosing an urn is not just an aesthetic decision; it is also an emotional and practical one. If you are considering urns for multiple family members, keep the following in mind: Always calculate the size you will need, and always allow for some extra space. The most common size for two people is 400 cubic inches. Smaller urns are used to divide ashes. Remember that the best choice is one that honors both love and planning.