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Headstone Size Guide

Standard headstone dimensions vary by style — flat markers, bevel stones, slant headstones, and upright monuments each have their own typical proportions. The sizes below represent common industry standards. Your specific cemetery may require different dimensions, so always request written confirmation before ordering.

At true scale

Explore Sizes at True Scale

Compare each style side-by-side with a 5′8″ person. Dimensions reflect common industry standards — always confirm with your cemetery before ordering.

Flat Grave Marker24 × 12 × 4 in

Accepted in most lawn-care cemeteries — verify exact dimensions with your cemetery office

No foundation typically required; marker set on a granite sub-base or sand bed

Engraving on the polished top face — names, dates, and a short epitaph

View flat grave markers Full size guide

Flat Grave Markers

Flat markers sit flush with the ground. They are required by many lawn-care cemeteries and are the most widely permitted type of marker in the United States. All dimensions are Width × Depth × Thickness.

Type	Common Dimensions	Notes
Single flat marker	24 × 12 × 4 in	Most widely accepted standard
Single flat marker (small)	20 × 10 × 4 in	Common in older sections
Single flat marker (large)	28 × 16 × 4 in	More engraving space; verify with cemetery
Companion flat marker	36 × 18 × 4 in	Two names side by side
Companion flat marker (wide)	44 × 14 × 4 in	Alternative companion proportion

Bevel Headstones

Bevel markers have a gently sloped face that rises a few inches above ground. They provide better readability than flat markers while still meeting most lawn-care cemetery requirements.

Type	Common Dimensions	Notes
Single bevel marker	24 × 12 × 6 in	Front face angled; overall height ≈ 3–4 in above grade
Companion bevel marker	36 × 18 × 6 in	Same profile, wider footprint

Related: Bevel Headstones

Slant Headstones

Slant headstones have a steeply angled face — typically 45 to 60 degrees — that rises 8 to 10 inches. They are set on a separate granite base that provides additional height and stability.

Component	Common Dimensions	Notes
Slant face (die)	24 × 10 in (face)	Angled engraving surface
Base depth	14–16 in	Supports the die
Overall height (die + base)	≈ 16–20 in	Confirm maximum with cemetery

Related: Slant Headstones

Upright Headstones & Monuments

Upright headstones stand fully vertical on a granite base. They require a reinforced foundation and are not permitted in all cemeteries — always confirm upright monuments are allowed before ordering.

Component	Common Dimensions	Notes
Single tablet (die)	24–28 in W × 16–20 in H	Vertical engraving surface
Companion tablet	36–48 in W × 16–24 in H	Two names; wider footprint
Base (typical)	6–8 in tall	Adds to total visible height
Large family monument	36–48 in W × 24–48 in H	Custom; cemetery permit often required

Cemetery Approval Checklist

Before placing any headstone order, request written confirmation from the cemetery covering each of the following points. Requirements vary between cemeteries and between sections within the same cemetery.

—Maximum width, depth, and height permitted for this specific plot
—Minimum and maximum stone thickness
—Approved materials and finishes (polished, sawn, pitched)
—Whether upright monuments are permitted in this section
—Foundation type and depth required (concrete, granite, or none)
—Setting compound or adhesive requirements
—Any vase or accessory restrictions
—Process for submitting the order specification for pre-approval
—Timeline from approval to installation

Common Questions About Headstone Sizes

What is the most common size for a flat grave marker?+

The most widely accepted flat marker size is 24 × 12 × 4 inches for a single-person stone. Companion flat markers are typically 36 × 18 × 4 inches. Always confirm the exact dimensions with your cemetery before ordering, as requirements vary.

How tall is a standard upright headstone?+

A standard upright tablet (the die) is typically 20 to 24 inches tall and 24 to 28 inches wide, set on a granite base that adds another 6 to 8 inches of height. Larger family monuments may be taller. The cemetery sets the maximum permitted height for each section.

Do all cemeteries allow the same headstone sizes?+

No. Each cemetery sets its own size, material, and foundation requirements independently. What is permitted in one section of a cemetery may differ from another section. Always get written approval from the cemetery administration specifying the exact dimensions they allow.

What size headstone is right for a companion burial?+

Companion headstones need to be wide enough for two full sets of inscriptions — typically 36 to 48 inches wide. For flat markers, 36 × 18 × 4 inches is a common companion size. For upright monuments, 36 to 48 inches wide with a matching base is standard.

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