How long cremation takes
The cremation itself is measured in hours, not days.
The cremation itself takes a few hours
The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) says the process can take from 30 minutes, for a stillborn baby, to over two hours for an adult. Body size and the heat already stored in the chamber make the difference.
The chamber usually runs between 1,400 and 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Funeral Consumers Alliance, a nonprofit consumer group, puts the process at two to four hours.
Sources: CANA, Cremation Process; Funeral Consumers Alliance, Cremation Explained
Cooling and processing
When the cremation is finished, staff sweep the bone fragments into a cooling tray and let them cool.
The fragments then go to a processor. This machine breaks them down until the pieces are less than one eighth of an inch.
Any metal, such as a hip replacement or dental fillings, is separated out before processing. It is usually recycled.
The remains are placed in a strong plastic bag inside an urn or a temporary container. An adult's cremated remains usually weigh four to six pounds.
CANA does not publish a set time for cooling and processing.
Source: CANA, Cremation Process
Most of the wait happens before the cremation
Families usually wait days, not hours. Most of that time goes to paperwork and scheduling.
CANA says the time between death and cremation varies a great deal. Cremation usually happens at least 48 hours after death.
Until the paperwork is done and the cremation is scheduled, your loved one rests in secure, cold storage.
Source: CANA, Cremation Process
What can add days
Signatures and permits. A doctor or other official must certify the death before the paperwork can move forward. One Oklahoma medical school program notes that gathering the details and signatures for a death certificate often takes up to ten working days.
Medical examiner or coroner review. Some deaths must be reported and reviewed. In Oklahoma, this includes every death where the body is to be cremated, as well as deaths not attended by a doctor. When the Oklahoma medical examiner does an exam, it usually happens within 24 to 48 hours of arrival.
Authorization. The person with the legal right to decide must sign for the cremation. In Oklahoma, the order is spouse, then adult children, then parents, then siblings.
Scheduling. Weekends, holidays and how busy the crematory is can all add time. Your funeral home can tell you the next open date.
Waiting periods and permit rules differ by state. See our state law guides for Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri.
Sources: University of Oklahoma Willed Body Program, Instructions for Donors; Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, About; Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, family brochure
Step by step, at a glance
This table shows the steps in order. Times are given only where a source states them.
| Step | What happens | How long (source) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Transfer | Your loved one is brought into care. Identity is checked from this point on. | Not stated |
| 2. Paperwork and waiting | Death certificate, permits and signed authorization. Cold storage meanwhile. | Usually at least 48 hours after death (CANA). Often longer. |
| 3. Medical examiner review, if required | Some deaths, and in Oklahoma every cremation, need review. | Oklahoma exams: usually within 24 to 48 hours of arrival (OCME) |
| 4. Cremation | The body is cremated in its container. | 30 minutes to over two hours (CANA). Two to four hours (FCA). |
| 5. Cooling and processing | Fragments cool, metal is removed, remains are processed. | Not stated by CANA |
| 6. Return | Remains are labeled, checked again and held for the family. | Ask your provider |
Source: CANA, Cremation Process
Common questions
How long does the cremation itself take?
From 30 minutes to over two hours, according to CANA. Body size makes the biggest difference. The Funeral Consumers Alliance says two to four hours.
How soon after death can cremation happen?
CANA says cremation typically happens at least 48 hours after death. Paperwork, permits and state rules decide the exact timing.
Why does it take days to get the ashes back?
Most of the wait is paperwork. A death certificate must be signed, a permit issued and the cremation authorized. A medical examiner may also need to review the death.
How do I know I am getting my loved one's ashes?
CANA describes identity checks at each step, from pickup to the return of the remains. An ID disc or number stays with your loved one through the cremation.
How much do cremated remains weigh?
An adult's cremated remains usually weigh between four and six pounds, according to CANA.