How Much Does a Headstone Weigh? Granite Weight by Size
Approximate weights for granite headstones, markers and bases, how to calculate weight from size, and why weight matters for delivery and installation.
Granite is dense — roughly 170 pounds per cubic foot (about 2,700 kg per cubic metre), depending on the stone. That density is why headstones last for generations, and why delivery and setting need the right equipment.
Quick formula
Weight (lb) ≈ width × height × thickness (inches) × 0.098
For example, a 24" × 24" × 6" die is 3,456 cubic inches, or about 340 lb.
Approximate weights
| Memorial | Size (inches) | Approx. weight |
|---|---|---|
| Small flat marker | 24 × 12 × 4 | 115 lb |
| Large flat marker | 36 × 18 × 4 | 255 lb |
| Bevel marker | 24 × 12 × 8/5 | 150 lb |
| Single upright die | 24 × 24 × 6 | 340 lb |
| Upright with base | 24 × 24 × 6 + 36 × 12 × 6 | 600 lb |
| Companion upright | 42 × 28 × 8 | 920 lb |
| Companion base | 54 × 14 × 8 | 590 lb |
Weights are estimates for solid rectangles; shaped tops reduce weight slightly, and stone density varies.
Why weight matters
- Delivery: heavier stones need a liftgate truck or crane, and sometimes special access.
- Installation: cemeteries use equipment to set stones on a concrete foundation — see how headstones are installed.
- Foundations: weight and footprint determine foundation size — see foundation requirements.
- Stability: weight keeps a headstone stable, but only on a proper foundation.
Key Takeaways
- Granite weighs about 170 lb per cubic foot.
- Multiply W × H × T in inches by 0.098 for a quick weight estimate.
- Weight drives delivery, foundation and setting requirements.
Next Step
Set exact sizes in the Design Studio and we'll confirm weights in your quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How heavy is an average headstone?
A typical single upright with a base weighs roughly 500 to 700 pounds. Flat markers often weigh 100 to 250 pounds.
How do I calculate the weight of a granite headstone?
Multiply width × height × thickness in inches by about 0.098 to get an approximate weight in pounds.
Can I install a headstone myself?
Most cemeteries require their own staff or an approved installer to set memorials on a proper foundation.
Ready to get pricing for your granite monument?
Request pricing, factory specifications, and DAP delivery timelines from our team.
