Coffin Sizes & Dimensions Explained: What to Measure Before You Buy

Choosing the right coffin is not simply a matter of selecting a style you like. The dimensions need to suit the person who will use it, and the measurements shown on a product page need to be interpreted correctly before an order is placed.

There is no single universal coffin size used for every person in the UK. Coffins and caskets are produced in different lengths, widths and depths, and larger or bespoke sizes are available when required.

The safest approach is to work from the measurements of the individual and compare them carefully with the internal dimensions of the coffin you are considering.

If you are currently comparing styles as well as sizes, our guide to the different types of coffins explains the main materials and options available.

Are coffins a standard size?

Many coffin ranges include commonly ordered sizes, but that does not mean every manufacturer or product follows one universal specification.

Dimensions can vary according to:

• the manufacturer
• the coffin style
• the material
• the shape of the coffin
• whether the product is a coffin or casket
• the construction of the interior
• whether a larger or bespoke size is required

This is why the actual specifications for the individual product matter more than assuming that a particular size description will be identical across different ranges.

Internal dimensions vs external dimensions

One of the most important distinctions when choosing a coffin is the difference between internal and external measurements.

Internal dimensions

Internal measurements tell you how much usable space there is inside the coffin.

These are the measurements that matter most when determining whether the coffin is suitable for the person.

External dimensions

External measurements refer to the overall size of the coffin from the outside.

They can be larger because they include:

• the coffin walls
• handles or fittings
• the lid
• decorative elements
• the construction of the product itself

A coffin can therefore appear to have generous external dimensions while providing less internal space than expected.

When comparing products, always check which set of measurements is being shown.

What measurements should you take?

The main measurements normally considered are:

• height
• width across the shoulders
• overall body width where relevant
• depth or body profile where additional internal space may be required

The objective is not to find a coffin with exactly the same measurements as the person. There needs to be sufficient internal clearance for the person to rest comfortably within the coffin.

If you are arranging a funeral through a funeral director, they can normally assist with determining the appropriate size.

If you are buying a coffin directly, it is particularly important to check the specifications before ordering.

How much extra room should a coffin have?

There is no single allowance that should automatically be added in every case.

Body shape, shoulder width, coffin construction and the internal profile of the product can all affect suitability.

For this reason, it is better to compare the person’s measurements against the actual internal dimensions supplied for the coffin rather than relying on a generic rule.

If the measurements are close to the stated internal capacity, it is sensible to confirm suitability before placing the order.

What if someone needs a larger coffin?

Larger coffin sizes are available.

A person may require additional width, length or depth depending on their height, build and body shape.

The important point is to identify this before ordering.

Trying to choose a coffin purely from a product photograph or a general size description can create unnecessary problems later.

Where a standard option is not suitable, a larger or specialist size may be required.

Does coffin shape affect the available space?

Yes.

Traditional UK coffins normally taper towards the head and feet, whereas rectangular caskets maintain a more consistent width along their length.

That means two products with similar external measurements can provide different amounts of usable internal space.

If you are deciding between the two formats, our guide to coffins vs caskets explains the structural and practical differences in more detail.

Do different coffin materials affect the dimensions?

They can.

Different construction methods and materials can affect the relationship between the outside of the coffin and the usable space inside it.

For example:

• traditional wooden coffins have structural sides and internal linings
• cardboard coffins use a different construction method
• woven coffins such as willow can have a different internal profile
• American-style caskets are generally more rectangular in shape

The correct size should therefore be assessed using the specifications of the individual product rather than assuming one material will have the same usable dimensions as another.

You can browse the available coffin range to compare different styles and specifications.

What should you check before ordering?

Before purchasing a coffin, check:

1. The person’s height and body measurements.
2. The coffin’s internal length.
3. The internal width.
4. The internal depth where provided.
5. Whether the dimensions shown are internal or external.
6. The shape of the coffin or casket.
7. Whether a larger size is available if required.
8. The product’s delivery requirements and timeframe.
9. Any requirements provided by the funeral director, crematorium or burial provider.

Taking a few minutes to confirm these details is considerably easier than discovering after delivery that the selected product is unsuitable.

Can a coffin be too big?

A coffin should provide sufficient space, but simply choosing the largest possible option is not necessarily the best approach.

An unnecessarily oversized coffin can affect:

• handling
• transport
• appearance
• compatibility with funeral arrangements

The aim is to choose a coffin that provides suitable internal space without being unnecessarily large.

Do crematoriums have coffin size limits?

Crematorium equipment has physical operating limits, so unusually large coffins may require additional checks before the funeral.

There is no single universal maximum dimension that applies to every crematorium.

If a larger coffin is required, the relevant crematorium or funeral director should confirm that it can be accommodated before the product is ordered.

This is particularly important where the coffin falls outside typical dimensions.

Do burial coffins have different sizing requirements?

The dimensions of the coffin still need to suit the person, but burial arrangements can involve additional practical considerations.

The funeral director, cemetery or burial ground can advise on any requirements that apply to the particular burial.

The coffin itself should therefore be selected around the individual first, with any venue-specific requirements confirmed separately.

What about wicker or willow coffins?

Natural woven coffins can differ slightly in construction from conventional wooden coffins, so the stated internal measurements should always be checked.

If you are considering a natural option, compare the individual specifications rather than assuming the dimensions will be identical to a traditional coffin of a similar external size.

These styles are covered in more detail within our guide to types of coffins.

What about cardboard coffins?

The same principle applies to cardboard coffins.

They are constructed differently from traditional wooden coffins and can vary between manufacturers and designs.

Always check the dimensions supplied for the specific product before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

What is the standard size of a coffin in the UK?

There is no single universal UK coffin size. Coffin dimensions vary between manufacturers, styles and materials, which is why the specifications of the individual product should always be checked.

Should I use internal or external coffin dimensions?

Internal dimensions are the most important when checking whether the coffin will provide enough space for the person. External measurements describe the overall size of the coffin.

Can you buy larger coffins?

Yes. Larger and specialist coffin sizes are available where additional length, width or depth is required.

Are caskets the same size as coffins?

Not necessarily. Caskets are generally rectangular, while traditional coffins taper towards the head and feet. This can change the amount and distribution of internal space.

Can I measure someone myself before ordering a coffin?

You can take measurements, but if there is any uncertainty about suitability, confirm the required dimensions with the funeral director or coffin supplier before ordering.

Choosing the correct coffin

The most important thing is not to assume that all coffins described as a particular size will have identical measurements.

Check the individual product specifications, pay particular attention to the internal dimensions and confirm suitability before ordering if the measurements are close.

You can browse Compare the Coffin’s available coffins and caskets to compare styles, materials and product specifications before making your choice.

Implementation after this: once this is in place, the next client in our active list is Granite Build, where the held Blog 3 is the hip-to-gable loft conversion article.