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.

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 vs Coffin, side by side

Shape
Casket
Rectangular, four sides
Coffin
Six-sided, tapered
Common in
Casket
United States
Coffin
UK and Europe
Lid
Casket
Hinged, often half-open for viewing
Coffin
Usually a removable single lid
Typical price
Casket
$1,000–$10,000+ depending on material
Coffin
Often less than a comparable casket
Materials
Casket
Wood, metal, or eco options
Coffin
Wood, metal, or eco options
Buy elsewhere?
Casket
Yes — the home must accept it
Coffin
Yes — the home must accept it

	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.

See what this costs where you live

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Common questions: Casket vs Coffin

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.

More comparisons

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