Casket vs Coffin: Complete Comparison

By Terry Feely, Former Firefighter and Paramedic · Last Updated May 2026

The primary difference between a casket and a coffin is shape. A casket is rectangular with a hinged lid, while a coffin is tapered, wider at the shoulders and narrower at the head and feet. In the United States, caskets are used in over 95 percent of burial funerals, while coffins are more common in Europe, the United Kingdom, and some religious traditions. Casket prices range from $1,000 to $10,000, while coffins typically cost $500 to $5,000.

Quick Comparison Table

Factor	Casket	Coffin
Shape	Rectangular with four straight sides	Hexagonal or octagonal, tapered at head and feet
Common usage	Standard in the United States and Canada	Standard in Europe, UK, and parts of Africa
Cost range	$1,000 to $10,000	$500 to $5,000
Materials	Wood, metal (steel, copper, bronze), fiberglass	Wood (pine, oak, willow), wicker, cardboard
Lid style	Split lid (half-couch) or full lid (full-couch)	Single removable or hinged lid
Interior lining	Padded fabric (velvet, crepe, satin)	Simple cloth or unlined
Weight	150 to 450 pounds (heavier with metal)	50 to 200 pounds
Regional preference	North America, parts of Asia	Europe, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand
Religious associations	No specific religious requirement	Traditional in some Christian and Jewish communities
Availability in US	Widely available at all funeral homes	Limited, often requires specialty order

Casket Overview

A casket is a rectangular burial container with a hinged lid, typically constructed from wood or metal. The word comes from the French word for "jewel box," reflecting the ornamental design that became popular in the United States during the 19th century. Modern caskets come in two lid styles: half-couch (split lid that opens at the top to reveal the upper body) and full-couch (single lid that opens entirely). The half-couch design is by far the most common choice for open-casket viewings.

Metal caskets made from steel, copper, or bronze are designed to resist moisture and slow decomposition. Steel caskets are categorized by gauge, with 18-gauge being standard and 20-gauge being thinner and less expensive. Wood caskets are available in pine, poplar, cherry, mahogany, and walnut. Interiors are lined with padded fabric, usually crepe, velvet, or satin, and may include an adjustable mattress and pillow. Most American funeral homes carry 30 to 50 casket models in their showroom, and prices vary widely based on material, finish, and hardware.

Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must provide a written price list for all caskets and cannot require you to purchase one from them. Third-party retailers and online stores sell caskets at significant discounts, sometimes 40 to 60 percent below funeral home prices. The funeral home must accept a casket purchased elsewhere without charging a handling fee.

Coffin Overview

A coffin is a tapered burial container that is wider at the shoulders and narrows toward the head and feet, creating a hexagonal or octagonal silhouette. This shape closely follows the contour of the human body and uses less material than a rectangular casket. Coffins were the standard burial vessel in the Western world for centuries before the rectangular casket gained popularity in America during the Civil War era.

Today, coffins remain the norm in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and much of continental Europe. They are typically made from wood, with pine and oak being the most common choices. Wicker and bamboo coffins have gained popularity among families choosing eco-friendly or green burial options. Unlike caskets, coffins are rarely made from metal. The interior is usually lined with simple cotton or linen cloth, or left unlined in the case of green burial coffins. Lids are either removable or attached with basic hinges, and the single-piece design does not allow for a partial opening like the split-lid casket.

In the United States, coffins are uncommon but not unavailable. Some families choose them for cultural reasons, religious traditions, or personal preference. Jewish burial societies (chevra kadisha) traditionally use a simple wooden box similar in spirit to a coffin, though its shape may be rectangular. Families who want a coffin in the US will likely need to order from a specialty supplier or an international retailer, as most funeral home showrooms do not stock them.

Cost Comparison

Casket Costs

Pine or poplar (basic): $1,000 to $2,500
20-gauge steel: $1,500 to $3,500
18-gauge steel: $2,500 to $5,000
Hardwood (cherry, mahogany): $3,000 to $6,000
Copper or bronze: $5,000 to $10,000+
Typical range: $1,000 to $10,000

Coffin Costs

Cardboard or pressed wood: $100 to $500
Pine: $500 to $1,500
Oak or other hardwood: $1,500 to $3,500
Wicker or bamboo: $800 to $2,500
Custom or imported: $2,000 to $5,000
Typical range: $500 to $5,000

For a detailed breakdown by location, see our funeral costs by state guide.

When to Choose a Casket

A casket is the right choice when you plan to hold an open-casket viewing or visitation. The rectangular shape and split-lid design frame the upper body and create a dignified presentation. Caskets are also the practical choice when availability matters, since every funeral home in the United States stocks them. If the deceased was larger in stature, the wider interior of a casket provides more room than a tapered coffin. Families who prefer a sealed, moisture-resistant container will find those features only in metal caskets, not in coffins.

When to Choose a Coffin

A coffin is the right choice when cost savings, simplicity, or environmental impact are priorities. The tapered design uses less material and weighs less, making it easier and less expensive to transport. Coffins are well suited for green burials, where biodegradable materials and minimal construction are preferred. Families with European, British, or Australian heritage may prefer a coffin to honor cultural tradition. If you are planning a closed-lid service or direct burial with no viewing, the visual differences between a casket and coffin are less relevant, and the coffin's lower price becomes a clear advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are caskets and coffins the same thing?

No. While both are burial containers, they differ in shape. A casket is rectangular with four straight sides and a split or full hinged lid. A coffin is hexagonal or octagonal, wider at the shoulders and narrower at the head and feet. In everyday American English the words are often used interchangeably, but they describe distinct products.

Why are caskets more popular than coffins in the United States?

Caskets became the standard in the United States during the mid-1800s when the funeral industry shifted toward embalming and open-casket viewings. The rectangular shape provides more interior room and a flat, padded lid that frames the upper body during a viewing. Coffins remain common in Europe and the United Kingdom, where tapered designs never fell out of use.

Can you be cremated in a coffin instead of a casket?

Yes. Cremation requires only a rigid, combustible container. Both caskets and coffins meet this requirement, as do simple cremation containers made from cardboard or pressed wood. Most families choosing cremation select the least expensive container available rather than a full casket or coffin.

Is a coffin cheaper than a casket?

Generally yes. Coffins use less material due to their tapered shape and are typically priced between $500 and $5,000. Caskets range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more depending on material and finish. However, coffins are harder to find in the United States, so limited availability can offset the price difference.

Do funeral homes sell coffins?

Most American funeral homes stock only caskets. If you want a coffin, you may need to order one from a specialty retailer or an overseas supplier. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must accept a casket or coffin purchased from a third party and cannot charge a handling fee for doing so.