Cremation Cost Calculator: Estimate Your Total Budget (Free)

Use this calculator to total the prices a funeral home or cremation provider gives you and see an itemized estimate of your budget. It doesn’t supply prices of its own. Enter the amounts from the provider’s General Price List (GPL) or written quote. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, providers must give you itemized prices, and they must give prices by phone if you ask.

Enter provider prices

Important: This calculator totals the prices you enter. It does not supply local prices. Use the figures from each provider's itemized General Price List. Your estimate is not a quote and does not replace one.

Basic cremation services

Basic services fee (funeral director and staff)

A non-declinable fee listed on the provider's General Price List.

Transfer of remains to the funeral home

Often includes a set number of miles.

Additional transportation or mileage

For example, transfer from outside the service area.

Refrigeration or holding

Some providers charge per day.

Crematory fee

Sometimes included in a direct cremation package price.

Permits and medical examiner or authorization fees

Varies by state and county.

Certified death certificates (number)

Price per certificate

Banks, insurers, and agencies often each need a certified copy. Fees are set by the state or county.

Cremation container

An alternative container is usually the least expensive option.

Optional services and merchandise

Urn

You may buy an urn from any seller; providers cannot charge a fee for using one bought elsewhere.

Viewing or visitation (including any preparation)

Memorial service

Facility, staff, and ceremony charges.

Other expenses

Obituary or death notice

Other expense

Flowers, printed programs, reception, keepsakes, etc.

Other expense

Your estimated cremation budget

Itemized estimate
Item	Amount
Basic cremation services
Optional services and merchandise
Other expenses
Estimated overall budget

Estimate prepared . Based only on the amounts entered. Confirm every figure with the provider in writing.

Next steps

How to use this calculator

Get the General Price List. Ask each provider for its GPL, or for its prices by phone. Many providers also post prices online.
Enter only what you plan to buy. Leave a field blank if it doesn’t apply. For example, direct cremation has no viewing or memorial service charges.
Check what a package includes. If the provider quotes a “direct cremation” package price, enter it as the basic services fee. Then add only the items the package doesn’t include.
Compare more than one provider. Use the provider comparison worksheet to put quotes side by side.

What each line means

Basic services fee: The funeral provider’s charge for staff, planning, securing permits, and overhead. The FTC Funeral Rule lets providers charge it even if you buy nothing else from them.
Transfer of remains: Bringing the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home. Mileage beyond a set distance may cost extra.
Refrigeration or holding: Some providers charge for holding the body while authorizations are completed.
Crematory fee: The charge for the cremation itself. If the funeral home uses a third-party crematory, this may be listed as a cash advance item.
Permits and authorizations: Permit fees, and in some places a medical examiner or coroner fee, before cremation can take place. These vary by state and county.
Cremation container: A casket isn’t required for cremation. Providers that offer cremation must make an alternative container available.
Urn: Optional. Remains are returned in a temporary container if you don’t buy an urn, and you may buy an urn from any seller. See how to choose a cremation urn.

Related guides

Reviewed September 30, 2026. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.