Memorial options
Urns from ashes
Containers for the full remains or a portion of them — how to choose the right size, what urns cost in the UK, and when a scatter tube or biodegradable urn is the better choice.
An urn is the one memorial designed to hold all of someone's remains. That makes it the natural starting point for many families — somewhere safe for the ashes while you decide what, if anything, to do with them next. There is no deadline on that decision. Cremated remains are stable and keep indefinitely.
How much ash there is
An adult's cremated remains typically weigh between about 1.8 and 2.7 kilograms (four to six pounds), according to the Cremation Association of North America, though individual weights vary widely with height and bone density. Ashes usually come back from the crematorium in a plain plastic or cardboard container.
Choosing the right size
The industry rule of thumb is one cubic inch of urn capacity for every pound of body weight before cremation. A standard adult urn holds around 200 cubic inches (about 3.3 litres), which suits most adults. For someone who was very tall or heavy, choose a larger urn; for part of the remains, a smaller "keepsake" urn.
If you are unsure, round up. An urn with spare room causes no problems; one that is too small does.
Types of urn
- Display urns — wood, metal, ceramic or stone, designed to be kept at home.
- Burial urns — for interment in a cemetery or churchyard plot; check the site's rules on materials.
- Biodegradable urns — paper, salt, sand or plant-based materials, for burial in the ground or release on water. Some are designed to grow a tree; see living memorials.
- Scatter tubes — cardboard tubes with a pull-out spout, made for scattering.
- Keepsake urns — small urns for a portion of the remains, useful when ashes are shared between relatives.
What it costs in the UK
| Type | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Scatter tube | £35–£50 |
| Biodegradable urn | from about £35 |
| Most wooden, metal or ceramic adult urns | £40–£150 |
| Premium or hand-made urns | £200 and up |
You do not have to buy an urn from your funeral director — you can buy one independently and compare.
Scattering the ashes
If you plan to scatter, you need the landowner's permission on any land you do not own. On rivers, lakes and the sea no licence is needed, but the Environment Agency asks people to avoid areas near drinking-water supplies, marinas and places used by anglers, and not to leave anything non-biodegradable behind. Rules in Scotland and Wales are set by their own agencies.
Common questions
Do I have to put the ashes in an urn?
No. You can keep the ashes in the container from the crematorium for as long as you need while you decide.
Can ashes be split between several urns?
Yes. Keepsake urns and jewellery exist precisely so several people can each keep a portion.
How big an urn does a pet need?
Use the same rule — roughly one cubic inch per pound of the animal's weight. See pet memorials.
Sources
- How much ash is left after cremation — Funeral.com, citing the Cremation Association of North America (checked 21 September 2026)
- Cremation urn size guide — Memorials.com; 1 in³ per lb rule, 200 in³ standard (checked 21 September 2026)
- Affordable cremation urns: UK options and prices — Go Direct Cremations (checked 21 September 2026)
- Can ashes be scattered in a local river? — The Law Society (checked 21 September 2026)
Not sure this is the right choice?
Tell us what you are weighing up and we will come back with options that fit — what they cost and how long they take. There is no deadline on this decision.