Many clients ask us: How can we estimate the number of columbarium units based on the building structure of a memorial hall or underground vault?
This is a key question for budget planning, and for commercial projects, it directly affects the calculation of return on investment.

Based on my years of experience in this industry, the total number of Columbarium units depends mainly on the following four factors:

1. Layout
   Take the floor plan above as an example. I’ve listed layout first because it is the most important factor.
   This 100-square-meter room can hold 2,080 urns—an average of 20.8 urns per square meter. This is a relatively high density, achieved by narrower aisles, a regular-shaped room, more tiers, and efficient use of space.

However, some clients prefer wider aisles for visitor flow, private family rooms, rest areas, or remote worship spaces. Cultural elements such as statues or memorial walls may also be incorporated.
Including these features can reduce the number of urns by at least one-third.

2. Design Style
   Using the same example, most units in the layout are single Columbarium niches. If all single niches were replaced with double niches, the number of physical structures would decrease, but the total urn capacity could increase.

In the drawing, each niche is 300mm deep. Some clients prefer deeper niches for “cultural interment,” where the urn is placed deeper inside, leaving space at the front for memorabilia, offerings, or decorative elements. This would require larger columbarium dimensions.

In contrast, in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Japan, smaller ash urns are common, allowing for more compact niche sizes.
So, the style and size of the Columbarium design are crucial in determining final capacity.

3. Ceiling Height
   Ceiling height could be considered part of layout planning, but it deserves special attention.
   In the same 100-square-meter room, a 10-tier structure holds 2,080 urns, while a 7-tier one holds only 1,456—a reduction of nearly one-third, even with the same layout and style.

For above-ground buildings with around 3-meter ceilings, or underground levels, we recommend higher ceilings to allow more tiers, better air circulation, and a more dignified atmosphere.
That said, in village-level memorial halls or temporary holding rooms in funeral homes, very high tiers are not advised. The focus should be on easy access and practicality for visitors.

4. Building Structure
   Structural elements such as columns, staircases, windows, doors, atriums, beams, elevators, fire safety systems, electrical wiring, and even Feng Shui considerations must be taken into account during the design phase.
   Once the structure is built, these are difficult to change. Proper early-stage communication is essential to work around or incorporate these elements optimally.

These four factors largely determine the total number of Columbarium units a memorial hall or underground chamber can accommodate.

For clients who haven’t yet started construction but want a rough estimate, we generally recommend planning for 7 tiers and about 12 urns per square meter. This is a reasonable baseline. Adjustments can be made based on the factors above.

Authored by:
Mr. Luo, Sales Manager
HuaHeng Columbarium factory, Jiangxi, China
Contact us for professional design and quotation support.