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Learn More About Cremation

Find answers to common questions about the cremation process, pet cremation options, and urn sizing.

Disclaimer: The content on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice.

What happens during the cremation process?

During the cremation process, the body is identified, placed in a combustible container, and cremated in a heated chamber that reduces soft tissue to bone fragments. After cooling, metal is removed, the fragments are processed into a fine, sand-like texture, and the cremated remains are placed in a labeled container or urn.

Related guide What Happens During the Cremation Process? A Step-by-Step Guide for Families

How soon after death can someone be cremated?

This is not legal advice.

In most cases, someone can be cremated once the death certificate, legal authorization, and cremation permit are complete, which is often 24 to 72 hours after death. The timeline can be longer if there is a coroner or medical examiner review, a weekend delay, or extra paperwork.

Related guide How Soon After Death Can Someone Be Cremated? A Clear Guide for Families

How do crematories make sure you get the right ashes back?

Crematories make sure you get the right ashes back by using a documented chain-of-custody system from pickup to return. A unique ID, often a metal disc or barcode, stays with the remains through storage, cremation, processing, and packaging, and staff check paperwork at multiple stages.

Related guide How Do Crematories Make Sure You Get the Right Ashes Back?

What happens to pacemakers, implants, and medical devices before cremation?

Before cremation, battery-powered devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators are removed because heat can make them dangerous. Other metal implants may be removed in advance when needed or separated from the cremated remains afterward, and recent radioactive treatments can delay cremation until it is safe.

Related guide What Happens to Pacemakers, Implants, and Medical Devices Before Cremation?

How much do cremated ashes weigh?

For an average adult, cremated remains usually weigh about 4 to 6 pounds. The amount depends more on bone structure and skeletal frame than on total body weight.

Related guide How Much Do Cremated Ashes Weigh?

What is direct cremation?

Direct cremation is a simple cremation that takes place without a viewing, visitation, or service with the body present. The body is cremated shortly after death, the remains are returned in a container or urn, and any memorial can be held later.

Related guide What Is Direct Cremation? A Clear Guide for Families

Can you have a funeral service before cremation?

Yes, you can have a funeral service before cremation. Many families hold a traditional service with the body present and proceed with cremation afterward. This option gives you the familiarity of a funeral service with the flexibility of cremation.

Related guide Can You Have a Funeral Service Before Cremation?

How much does cremation cost?

Cremation cost varies by service type, location, and selected options. A simple direct cremation is usually the lowest-cost choice, while cremation with a viewing or funeral service can cost $6,000 or more. Final pricing may include transportation, permits, paperwork, the cremation fee, a container, an urn, and any memorial or cemetery charges.

Related guide How Much Does Cremation Cost? A Clear Guide for Families

Is embalming required before cremation?

This is not legal advice.

Embalming is usually not required before cremation. It may be needed if there is a public viewing, a long delay before cremation, or a local rule that requires preservation after a certain time. In many cases, prompt cremation or refrigeration can be used instead.

Related guide Is Embalming Required Before Cremation? What Families Should Know

What is an alternative container for cremation?

An alternative container for cremation is a simple combustible container used instead of a traditional casket. It is commonly made from cardboard, fiberboard, pressed wood, or unfinished wood. It provides a dignified and lower-cost option for direct cremation.

Related guide What Is an Alternative Container for Cremation?

Can you preplan a cremation?

Yes, you can preplan a cremation. A preplanned cremation lets you record your wishes, choose the level of service, name the decision-maker, and often arrange payment in advance. Make sure the plan states what is included, what documents may be needed, and what should happen to the ashes. Review it regularly because prices, laws, and provider ownership can change.

Related guide Can You Preplan a Cremation?

How do I choose a cremation provider?

Choose a cremation provider by checking licensing, experience, service options, and clear pricing. Ask for a written, itemized quote and confirm what is included, including transport, permits, certificates, the urn, and any extra fees. It is also wise to ask who performs the cremation, how identification is tracked, and what support is offered before and after the service. The right provider explains everything clearly and does not pressure you.

Related guide How Do I Choose a Cremation Provider? Questions to Ask Before You Decide

Can ashes be divided into more than one urn?

This is not legal advice.

Yes, ashes can be divided into more than one urn. Families often do this when several relatives want keepsake urns, when part of the ashes will be scattered, or when one portion will be buried and another kept at home. Each urn should be sized for the amount it will hold.

Related guide Can Ashes Be Divided Into More Than One Urn? What Families Should Know

Can you take cremated ashes on a plane?

This is not legal advice.

To see TSA's policy regarding urns & cremation ashes, please visit their website:

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/cremated-remains

Yes, in most cases, you can take cremated ashes on a plane. The container must be able to pass security screening without being opened, and some carriers or destinations may ask for supporting documents. Carrying the ashes in hand luggage is often the simplest option because you keep them with you throughout the journey. Check travel rules before flying, especially for international trips.

Related guide Can You Take Cremated Ashes on a Plane?

What size cremation urn do I need?

Most people need a cremation urn with about 1 cubic inch of capacity for each pound of body weight before cremation. A standard adult urn is usually around 200 cubic inches, while larger adults may need an oversized urn and families dividing ashes may need several smaller urns. When in doubt, choose slightly larger.

Related guide What Size Cremation Urn Do I Need? A Simple Guide for Families Related guide How to Find the Right Size Urn (Cubic Inch Rule + Quick Size Chart)

How many cubic inches should an urn be for ashes?

A good rule is 1 cubic inch per pound of pre-cremation body weight. For many adults, 180 to 220 cubic inches works well, with 200 cubic inches being a common full-size choice. If the ashes will be split, buried, or placed in a niche, check both the interior capacity and the outside dimensions.

Related guide How Many Cubic Inches Should an Urn Be for Ashes? A Simple Size Guide

Do I have to buy an urn from the funeral home?

No. In most cases, you can buy a cremation urn from any seller as long as it is the right size and suitable for the planned use. It is smart to confirm timing, delivery, and any burial or niche requirements before finalizing your choice.

Related guide Do You Have to Buy an Urn From the Funeral Home?

What are cremation urns made of?

Cremation urns can be made of metal, wood, ceramic, glass, stone, biodegradable paper, or plant-based materials. The best material depends on how the urn will be used. For example, display urns focus on appearance, burial urns may need strength or biodegradability, and travel urns should be lightweight and easy to screen.

Related guide What Are Cremation Urns Made Of? A Guide to Common Materials

What is a keepsake urn?

A keepsake urn is a small urn designed to hold a portion of ashes instead of the full amount. It is often used when ashes are shared among family members or when only a small memorial portion is kept after scattering. Keepsake urns make it possible for more than one person to keep a physical remembrance.

Related guide What Is a Keepsake Urn? A Simple Guide for Families

What is the difference between a temporary container and a permanent urn?

A temporary container is a simple box or plastic vessel used to hold ashes after cremation until a final choice is made. A permanent urn is made for long-term keeping, display, burial, or placement in a niche. Permanent urns are usually more durable, more decorative, and chosen for a specific memorial purpose.

Related guide What Is the Difference Between a Temporary Container and a Permanent Urn?

Do I need a special urn for burial, scattering, or travel?

This is not legal advice.

Sometimes. A burial urn may need to meet cemetery size or material rules, a scattering urn is designed for clean and controlled release, and a travel urn should be lightweight and made from a material that can be screened if you are flying. Always check the exact requirements before you buy.

Related guide Do I Need a Special Urn for Burial, Scattering, or Travel?

How do you transfer ashes into an urn?

To transfer ashes into an urn, place the urn on a stable surface, open the urn and the inner bag carefully, and pour slowly, using a funnel if needed. Work over a clean towel or tray in case of spills. If the ashes are already sealed in a bag and the bag fits inside the urn, it can often be placed inside without pouring.

Related guide How Do You Transfer Ashes Into an Urn?

How does the pet cremation process work?

Pet cremation usually starts with identification and paperwork, followed by respectful placement in the cremation chamber. After cremation, the remains are cooled, processed into a fine, sand-like texture, and placed in a temporary container or the urn you choose. If you selected return of ashes, the provider should use a clear chain-of-custody system from intake to return.

Related guide How Does the Pet Cremation Process Work? A Step-by-Step Guide for Families

What pet cremation options are there: shared, individual, and private?

Pet cremation is commonly offered in three forms: shared (also called communal), individual or partitioned, and private. Shared cremation means more than one pet is cremated together and ashes are not returned separately. Individual or partitioned cremation uses separation within a shared cycle so ashes can usually be returned, while private cremation means your pet is cremated alone. Because terms can vary by provider, always ask how the service is defined before you choose.

Related guide What Pet Cremation Options Are There? Shared, Individual, and Private Explained

Which pet cremation option lets me receive my pet's ashes back?

In most cases, individual or private pet cremation includes the return of your pet's cremated remains, while shared or communal cremation does not. The exact policy depends on the provider, so ask whether ashes are returned, how your pet is identified throughout the process, and what container or urn is included.

Related guide Which Pet Cremation Option Lets You Receive Your Pet's Ashes Back?

How long does pet cremation take?

The cremation itself may take under an hour for a very small pet and a few hours for a large dog. The full turnaround is longer because identification, cooling, processing, packaging, and transport all happen after the cremation cycle. Many families receive ashes back within a few days, although timing varies by pet size and provider schedule.

Related guide How Long Does Pet Cremation Take? What Families Should Expect

How does pet cremation sizing work by weight?

Pet cremation services and pet urns are often organized by weight ranges such as small, medium, large, and extra large. Providers use your pet's weight to schedule the cremation, estimate timing, and recommend an urn capacity that will fit the cremated remains. When comparing options, use your pet's weight and the provider's stated weight class rather than guessing by breed alone.

Related guide How Does Pet Cremation Sizing Work by Weight? A Clear Guide for Pet Owners

What size urn do I need for my dog's ashes?

A practical rule is about 1 cubic inch of urn capacity for each pound your dog weighed. A 20-pound dog usually needs at least a 20 cubic inch urn, while a 75-pound dog usually needs at least a 75 cubic inch urn. If your dog was a large breed or you want extra room for the inner bag, choose slightly larger.

Related guide What Size Urn Do I Need for My Dog’s Ashes?

How many cubic inches should a pet urn be?

Most pet urns are sized in cubic inches, and a common guide is 1 cubic inch per pound of body weight. For example, a 10-pound pet typically needs about 10 cubic inches, while a 50-pound pet typically needs about 50 cubic inches. When in doubt, choose the next size up because listed capacity matters more than the outside dimensions.

Related guide How Many Cubic Inches Should a Pet Urn Be? A Simple Sizing Guide

How much do pet cremated ashes weigh?

Pet cremated remains usually weigh only a small fraction of the pet's original body weight, often just a few percent. Because the ashes are light but still take up space, urn sizing is usually based on volume rather than the final weight on a scale. In practice, your pet's original weight is the better guide for choosing an urn.

Related guide How Much Do Pet Cremated Ashes Weigh?

Can pet ashes be divided into keepsake urns or memorial jewelry?

Yes. Pet ashes can be divided into keepsake urns, cremation jewelry, or several small memorial containers if family members want to share them. If you plan to split the ashes, decide that before ordering so you can choose one full-size urn, multiple keepsakes, or a combination that matches the amount you want to keep.

Related guide Can Pet Ashes Be Divided Into Keepsake Urns or Memorial Jewelry?
Authored by Matt Lindquist

Authored by Matt Lindquist

With over 10 years of experience in the cremation industry in a variety of roles, Matt is a trusted resource for any questions you may have about cremation.