Understanding memorial shapes and sizes
Memorials come in a variety of shapes and sizes. What is possible is sometimes impacted by the regulations in the monument’s setting, but there is still a lot of flexibility enabling you to make choices according to your preferences. Here, we outline some of the standard shapes and sizes but any memorial can come in any shape and size- rules permitting. The size and shape of the stone are one of the factors that have the largest impact on the cost, and not all stones may be available in the largest sizes due to variations in what our suppliers’ quarries are producing. Our expert team will guide you through the process and explain the implications of what you choose to ensure the final design is exactly as you have intended.
Shapes of headstones- tops
Here are some of the simple shapes that can be created in any type of stone, and in all sizes, for the top of the memorial.
Ogee
Traditional shape whose corners flow into an s-shaped curve
Oval
Also known as an ‘arc’ top, a softer curve gives a timeless, balanced feel
Round
A half round semi-circle combines softness with a striking finish
Gothic
A gently pointed arch, reminiscent of historic windows
Trefoil
A distinctive curved shape, formed by three overlapping circles
Peon
Sloping sides and a pointed top lead to comparisons with roofs and associations with home
Shapes of headstones- sides and bottoms
The sides and edges of all standard memorials and bases can also be customised with chamfered or beveled edges, the addition of decorative barrels, pitched rustic edges to create contrast with the stone’s face, carved pinlines, photoplaques, carvings, and, in some settings, different finishes. See our section on bespoke shapes and sizing below.
There are also options for the sides and bottom of the headstone. Different finishes and detailing can give a distinctive edge and highlight the chosen lettering, while different styles of base- or choosing a design straight out of ground- add to the impact of the overall design.
Square Narrow
Gives the memorial a simple clean-cut finish. The standard size extends 1.5″ out from either side and 2″ from the front and back of a standard-sized memorial, and will have larger proportions for bigger sizes.
Square wide
Shown with a single borehole for a flower container, the base can come unbored or with one or more holes in a variety of positions, allowing flexibility within the chosen design.
Oval base
A gentle curve outwards from the face of the memorial gives a soft appearance while emphasising the inscription. Complements one borehole as shown but can also be provided without.
Bow base
The smooth arc highlights curved designs or offers an attractive contrast to sharper edges. Available unbored or with one borehole as shown.
Serpentine
An asymmetric, eyecatching shape with smooth curves. A contemporary design which does not look out of place in any setting. Ideally provided with one borehole on the broader side but can be left unbored.
No Base
If you prefer a design without a base, all of our memorials are available ‘out of ground’. This provides an uninterrupted face of stone which particularly highlights traditional shapes and allows focus on the inscription and other detailing. The stone we supply will be ordered with an extra 12″ at the bottom to enable it to be fixed securely, using methods specified by our trade body NAMM and our memorial masons’ expertise.
Whole Grave Memorials
Some burial places allow you to mark the whole grave space with a kerb surround, which can also be installed with a ledger slab covering the space, or filled with a decorative interior. These can be added to any headstone providing the regulations permit.
Memorial Sizes
Here are some details in respect of standard sizing:
Standard headstone and base: The headstone will be 27″ high, 21″ wide and 3″ thick, and the base will be 3″ high, 24″ wide, and measure 12″ deep (at its deepest in the case of bases with shaped fronts)
Large headstone and base: The headstone will be 30″ high, 24″ wide and 3″ thick, and the base will be 3″ high, 30″ wide, and measure 12″ deep (at its deepest in the case of bases with shaped fronts). If you choose a kerbset, the base measures 4″ high; the memorial (including base) will measure 72″ in depth and 30″ wide.
Small headstone and base (only permitted in certain settings): This will measure 24″ high, 17″ wide and 3″ thick and sit on a base measuring 3″ high, 18″ wide and measure 12″ deep (at its deepest in the case of bases with shaped fronts)
Out of ground headstones are usually made of a piece of stone 42″ high (of which 30″ sits out of ground and 12″ sits underground for fixing purposes), 21″ wide and 3″ thick (or 2″ if made of slate)
Bespoke shapes and sizes
Memorials are also available in a far wider range of shapes to suit every taste. The only limitations are the burial place’s regulations and your own imagination. These are also available in a wide range of materials, although slate is not available due to lack of larger memorial grade pieces in quarries. Please ask us for what is possible and we will help you create a fitting tribute. Here, we outline some of the most popular of the non-standard shapes available.
Books
A popular choice where there is a plan to commemorate two people on a memorial, and they have meaningful connotations of telling a life story. They can be left plain or customised with attractive details such as tasselled bookmarks and edges made to resemble pages and covers. Inscriptions which relate to both people can run across the top and/or bottom with the pages left for the names and dates. They are usually presented on a rest and base in the same material. A standard book measures 18″ high, 24″ wide and 3″ thick (and then seated on a base and rest) but they can be made in all sizes, allowing for smaller pages if required.
Hearts
Hearts have always been a symbol of love. Various options are available, from double hearts which are similar in structure to books, or heart-shaped headstones which come in a standard size equivalent to a headstone and base, and resemble a more conventionally-shaped stone in terms of structure.
Butterfly
Like the heart, this is structured similarly to a standard headstone and base, and can be either customised with details on the wings or left as a simple silhouette. Either way, it is something a little unusual which evokes the peace of nature.
Children's Memorials
Children’s memorials are of course the most sensitive and difficult of choices to make. Any ‘standard’ memorial is suitable for a child (and the size can be decreased if this is thought appropriate within the burial place). However, our suppliers also produce a range of considered options if your choice is to particularly highlight the young age of someone who has died. Teddy bears, stars, hearts, butterflies, popular cartoon characters, and images which suggest heaven or being in a better place are often chosen.
These are just some of the many options available, the only limitation is your creativity. Why not contact us to find out what is possible and let us help you make your vision a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Shape and Size
Can I choose any shape I want?
Yes, if the regulations in the burial place permit it. Ask us for guidance and we will advise you accordingly.
What if the cemetery has size restrictions?
We will help you to choose a memorial whose dimensions fit the restrictions and ensure your preferences for lettering work with the required size.
Will a larger headstone cost more?
The size of a memorial is one of the major factors that impacts the cost, but different types of stone are also priced very differently. If a large memorial is your preference, but you have a budget in mind, let us know and we can help you with choosing something that meets both requirements.
Does the shape or size I choose affect the timescale?
Sometimes, it may be that there is a shortage of your chosen material in larger sizes or available to be made into a certain shape. If our suppliers communicate any delays to us, we will ensure you are kept informed. The length of time your order takes is calculated from when we order the stone, which takes place when the relevant burial authority approves the application.
Are you looking to order a Memorial?
Get in touch to discuss design options, such as the shape and size – our team is here to help.
