Introduction
Before the mass production of caskets, caskets were usually custom-built to the dimensions of the deceased. Now, almost all traditional caskets come in three main sizes: standard, oversized, and child casket.
Note: Though the words “casket” and “coffin” are often used interchangeably, they actually mean two different things. We will will not use the word coffin in this article.
Table: Average Interior Dimensions for All Caskets
| Type of Casket | Average Interior Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Standard Metal Casket | Length: 78 inches Width: 23 inches |
| Standard Wood Casket | Length: 75 inches Width: 22 inches |
| Oversized Casket | Length: 83 inches Width: 28 inches |
| Double Oversized Casket | Length: 85 inches Width: 38 inches |
| Children’s Casket | Length: 60 inches Width: 11 inches |
Standard Casket Dimensions
Adult-size caskets use the same standard exterior measurements for both metal and wood caskets.
As the “standard”, these dimensions will fit most adult bodies. (However, there will be minor variations depending on the casket manufacturer.)
The dimensions provided are averaged according to the sizes of metal and wood caskets because they are most common. These average measurements usually hold true to other alternative materials such as wicker caskets.
Exterior Dimensions
All adult caskets in the standard category must be able to fit in a burial vault. The average size burial vault is 86 by 30 inches.
Therefore both standard metal and wood caskets adhere to the same outside dimensions. The standard exterior measurements for both is 84 by 29 inches.
A burial vault is also known as an outside burial container. It encloses a caskets to prevent a grave from sinking. You can think of a burial vault as a casket for your casket.
| Type | Average Exterior Dimensions |
| Standard Adult Caskets (Metal and Wood) | Length: 84 inches Width: 29 inches |
| Standard Burial Vaults | Length: 86 inches Width: 30 inches |
Interior Dimensions
Although wood and metal caskets measure the same on the outside, they vary in interior dimensions. (see why below)
The average interior size for a standard metal caskets is 78 inches long, 23 inches wide, and 16 to 24 inches tall.
On the other hand, a standard wood casket averages an interior size of 75 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 16 to 22 inches tall.
| Type | Average Interior Dimensions |
| Standard Metal Caskets | Length: 78 inches Width: 23 inches Height: 16 to 24 inches |
| Standard Wood Caskets (smaller) | Length: 75 inches Width: 22 inches Height: 16 to 22 inches |
As you can see, the interior space of a wood casket is slightly smaller than a metal casket. Why?
In building caskets, wood panels are typically thicker than metal. So even though wood and metal caskets have the same exterior dimensions, you can expect that metal caskets will have more room inside.
Most adults with a height of up to 6’3″ can fit comfortably in any standard casket. If the deceased is taller, the adjustable interior bedding can fix this.
You can simply slant the bed or pose the body in a slight spread-eagle to make the deceased look comfortable in an open casket. A blanket or a lid will likely cover the bottom half of the caskets anyway.
Oversized Caskets Dimensions
Oversized caskets are designed, logically, for larger bodies that can’t fit in standard size caskets. The average interior dimensions of oversized caskets are 83 inches long and 28 inches wide. An oversized casket with this size will still fit in a standard-sized burial vault.
In constructing and discussing oversized caskets, the standard casket dimensions will increase by 2-inch increments in width and 3-inch increments in length.
Each step up in size increment will be in terms of X.
For example, a casket that is 3X in length is 9 inches longer than a normal casket. Meanwhile, a casket that is 3X in width is 6 inches wider than a normal casket.
Disclaimer: some manufacturers do not follow this formula. Instead, they build a wide range of oversized caskets of sizes that will be ready-made for customers.
For example, this oversized casket Titan Atlas XL is available in 28″, 29″, 33″, 36″, 40″, 44″ and larger sizes. Similar manufacturers will likely have oversized caskets on-hand.
Reminder: The funeral director must view the deceased first before you select a casket (if buying from the funeral home). This is necessary so they can assess the approximate size needed for your loved one’s casket. For cost savings, we recommend buying caskets online; you can still ask the funeral home team to help determine what size you’ll need.
Double Oversized Casket
If the deceased needs an even larger casket than an oversized casket, there is an option for a double oversized casket.
Its interior measures 85 inches long and 38 inches wide. To give you an idea of how big a double oversized casket is, a twin bed mattress measures 75 inches long and 39 inches wide.
Reminder: A double oversized casket will need a larger burial vault and will likely require an additional grave space.
Overall, you can expect that oversized caskets will be more expensive than a standard casket. Although all caskets are made of the same materials and designs, you have to consider that oversized caskets need additional materials, labor, and even custom work to build them.
Children’s Casket Dimensions
Smaller casket sizes are made for infants and children. The average interior dimensions for children’s caskets are 60 inches long and 11 inches wide.
This image is a coffin, not a casket, because of the hexagonal shape.
For shorter or taller bodies, the range of length for children’s caskets starts at 12 inches and goes up to 5 feet 6 inches. Typically it will just increase lengthwise by 6-inch increments. The width, on the other hand, will just vary in proportion to the casket’s length.
As with oversized caskets, the materials, styles, and other hardware used for children’s caskets are similar to the ones used for standard sizes. The only difference is the dimensions.
Standard Cremation Box Size
The maximum dimensions for a cremation casket or container will depend upon the crematorium. Make sure to check with them first, especially if your cremation container is larger than the standard size. Some crematoriums require a maximum external coffin size of 82 inches long, 33 inches wide, and 25 inches tall.
If your local crematorium’s restrictions conflicts with the casket you intend to use, consider looking into renting a casket.
FAQ
The average dimensions of a standard adult-size coffin are 7.17 ft by 2.5 ft.
Yes. Usually, a casket comes in standard, oversized, or children sizes. Most adults can fit in a standard coffin.
The average exterior dimensions of an adult-sized coffin is 84 by 29 inches.
Wood and metal caskets typically have different interior dimensions since metal is thinner. The average interior size for a standard metal coffin is 78 inches long, 23 inches wide, and 16-24 inches tall. Meanwhile, a standard wood coffin has an average interior size of 75 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 16-22 inches tall.
Aside from considering the height, the body must be measured in width from elbow to elbow to determine the appropriate coffin size.
The exterior dimensions of standard metal and wood coffins measure the same. However, the interior dimensions of wood coffins are slightly smaller.
This is because wood panels are thicker than metal in constructing coffins.
Some coffin suppliers can have your casket custom-built in case you need a different size. Simply check with a casket manufacturer to see if they can customize one for you.
If the body is taller than a standard coffin, you can slightly adjust the interior bedding or pose the body in a slight spread-eagle position to make them look comfortable in an open casket.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading! We hope you find this helpful. If you have suggestions or feedback, send us an email at info@in-valhalla.com.
