Summary — Quick Answer to Your Question
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To choose the correct urn size, use this rule: 1 pound of body weight = 1 cubic inch of urn space.
- Most adult humans require an urn between 180–220 cubic inches.
What size urn do I need for an adult male?
- → 180–250 cu in depending on weight
What size urn do I need for my dog or cat?
- Cats & small dogs: 5–20 cu in
- Medium dogs: 25–60 cu in
- Large dogs: 70–120 cu in
- (Hirfa offers all type of pet urns keepsake to extra large- Shop Now)

How Do I Calculate the Right Size of an Urn?
A general rule used by professionals is:
1 pound of body weight = 1 cubic inch of ash
For example:
- A 180 lb adult will need an urn that holds at least 180 cubic inches
- A 10 lb cat will need 10+ cubic inches
- A 75 lb dog will need at least 75 cubic inches

Urn Size Chart (For Adults, Keepsakes & Pets)
| Type of Ashes | Weight of Person/Pet | Recommended Urn Size (Cubic Inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult – Female (Average) | 140 – 170 lbs | 150 – 180 cu in |
| Adult – Male (Average) | 170 – 220+ lbs | 180 – 250 cu in |
| Child / Infant | 20 – 60 lbs | 20 – 60 cu in |
| Dog (Small Breeds) | 5 – 25 lbs | 5 – 25 cu in |
| Dog (Medium Breeds) | 25 – 60 lbs | 25 – 60 cu in |
| Dog (Large Breeds) | 60 – 120 lbs | 60 – 120 cu in |
| Cat | 5 – 20 lbs | 5 – 20 cu in |
| Keepsake / Sharing Urn | Any | 3 – 20 cu in |
What Size Urn Do I Need for an Adult Male Human Ashes?
Most adult men require an urn with 180–220 cubic inches.
If the person weighed over 220 lbs, consider:
- An extra-large full-size urn, or
- A companion urn (double size), or
- Sharing ashes between multiple keepsake urns
What Size Urn Do I Need for My Dog or Cat?
- Cats and small dogs typically need 5–20 cubic inches
- Medium dogs need 25–60 cubic inches
- Large dogs need 70–120 cubic inches
- (Hirfa offers all type of pet urns keepsake to extra large- Shop Now)
Full-Size Urn vs Keepsake Urn — What’s the Difference?
| Urn Type | Purpose | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Size Urn | Holds 100% of the ashes | 180–250 cu in |
| Keepsake Urn | Holds a small portion of ashes (for sharing or portability) | 3–20 cu in |
| Companion/Double Urn | Can hold two individuals or larger capacity | 350+ cu in |
Why Many Families Choose Wooden Urns
Wooden urns — especially those crafted from rosewood or beech wood — are often chosen for their:
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Natural warmth and dignity
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Long-lasting strength
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Handcrafted individuality
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Suitability for engraving or personalization
Brands like Hirfa Internationaloffer ethically sourced, hand-crafted wooden urns that feel more like heirlooms than containers, helping the memory live beautifully within the home.
FAQs
Can ashes be split between multiple urns?
Yes — many families use keepsake urns to share ashes among loved ones.
What if I’m unsure between two urn sizes?
It’s always safer to choose a slightly larger one.
Do pet ashes require different urn standards?
No — the same 1 cubic inch per pound formula applies.
Final Thought
Selecting an urn is not just about size — it’s about finding something peaceful, worthy, and comforting. If you’re unsure, it’s okay to ask for guidance.
Choosing an urn should be gentle — never overwhelming.
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