Tombstone Weight & Cost Estimator
Dimensions (Inches)
Understanding Tombstone Weight Calculations
Calculating the weight of a tombstone (also known as a headstone, grave marker, or monument) is a critical step in the logistics of memorial planning. The weight determines shipping costs, the type of machinery required for installation, and the depth of the concrete foundation needed to prevent sinking.
This calculator uses the volumetric dimensions of the stone and its specific density to provide an accurate weight estimate. While designs vary, most monuments are sold by the cubic foot or by weight.
The Formula for Stone Weight
To calculate the weight of a monument manually, you use the following logic:
- Calculate Volume: Multiply Height × Width × Thickness (in inches).
- Convert to Cubic Feet: Divide the total cubic inches by 1,728 (since 12×12×12 = 1,728).
- Apply Density: Multiply the cubic feet by the density of the specific stone.
Example: A standard upright granite headstone measuring 24″ high, 30″ wide, and 8″ thick.
- Volume in inches: 24 × 30 × 8 = 5,760 cubic inches.
- Volume in feet: 5,760 / 1,728 = 3.33 cubic feet.
- Weight (Standard Granite): 3.33 × 170 lbs = 566 lbs.
Common Material Densities
Different materials have different densities, which affects the final weight:
- Granite: The most common material. It typically weighs between 165 and 180 lbs per cubic foot. Black granite is often denser than gray or pink varieties.
- Marble: Slightly lighter and softer than granite, averaging around 160 to 170 lbs per cubic foot.
- Bronze: Extremely heavy (approx. 530 lbs/ft³), though bronze markers are usually thin plates mounted on a granite base rather than solid blocks.
- Concrete: Used for foundations or budget markers, weighing approx. 145 lbs per cubic foot.
Why Weight Matters for Installation
A small flat marker (lawn level) might weigh 100-150 lbs and can often be set by two people. However, upright monuments often exceed 400 lbs. Once a stone exceeds 300 lbs, mechanical assistance (such as a dolly, tripod, or truck crane) is strongly recommended to ensure safety and prevent chipping the stone.
Additionally, the heavier the stone, the more substantial the "foundation" must be. A 600 lb monument requires a concrete pad poured deep enough to avoid frost heave, typically extending 24 to 42 inches into the ground depending on the climate zone.