Comparison
Casket vs Coffin
By Karl-Gustav Kallasmaa · Updated June 2026
A casket and a coffin do the same job; the difference is shape. A casket is rectangular with four sides and a hinged lid; a coffin is six-sided and tapered to the body's outline. In the US "casket" is the standard term and product; "coffin" is more common in the UK and is often the cheaper shape.
Casket versus Coffin, compared
| Casket | Coffin | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Rectangular, four sides | Six-sided, tapered |
| Common in | United States | UK and Europe |
| Lid | Hinged, often half-open for viewing | Usually a removable single lid |
| Typical price | $1,000–$10,000+ depending on material | Often less than a comparable casket |
| Materials | Wood, metal, or eco options | Wood, metal, or eco options |
| Buy elsewhere? | Yes — the home must accept it | Yes — the home must accept it |
Figures are typical national ranges and vary widely by area and provider. Under the FTC Funeral Rule you're entitled to an itemized price list — always confirm prices directly.
Choose casket
Choose a casket for the standard US option and half-open-lid viewings.
Choose coffin
Choose a coffin for the traditional tapered shape, often at a lower price.
Common questions
- What's the difference between a casket and a coffin?
- Shape. A casket is rectangular with four sides and a hinged lid; a coffin is six-sided and tapered, wider at the shoulders and narrower at the feet. Both serve the same purpose.
- Is a coffin cheaper than a casket?
- Often, yes. The tapered coffin uses less material than a rectangular casket of the same standard, so it can cost less — though price depends far more on the material and maker than on the shape.
- Can I buy a casket or coffin online?
- Yes. Under the FTC Funeral Rule a funeral home must accept a casket or coffin you bought elsewhere — online or from a third party — and cannot charge a handling fee for it.
- Do you need a casket for cremation?
- No. No law requires a casket for cremation, and providers must offer an inexpensive alternative container. Many families rent a casket for a viewing and cremate in a simple container.