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Calm funeral planning tool

Funeral Cost Calculator UK

Estimate likely funeral costs, compare burial, cremation and simpler options, and see how much is covered without pressure or sales tactics.

Compare funeral styles Essentials vs send-off costs Funding gap estimate Print a simple plan

Estimate the cost and compare simpler options

This calculator separates essential costs from optional send-off choices, then compares your plan with a simpler lower-cost route.

Planning style

Funeral type

If the person arranging the funeral is on qualifying benefits, they may be able to apply for help with funeral costs. This calculator uses a simple estimate only.

Essential costs

Service costs

Send-off costs

Future costs

Headstones and plaques are often arranged later, especially after a burial.

Money available

Some banks may release money from the deceased’s account directly to a funeral director before probate.

Your estimate

Adjust the plan to see the likely cost, funding gap and simpler alternative.

Estimated funeral cost £0
Funding gap £0

£0 covered

Simple alternative£0
Potential saving£0
Immediate cost£0
Future cost£0
Respectful saving ideas

    Typical funeral cost comparison

    These are broad planning ranges only. Local fees, cemetery costs and funeral director pricing can vary significantly.

    Option Typical cost range Best for
    Direct cremation£1,500–£2,000Lowest-cost option, with a memorial held separately later.
    Simple attended cremation£3,000–£4,000A smaller service with better cost control.
    Traditional cremation£4,000–£6,000+A fuller service with vehicles, flowers and wake costs.
    Burial funeral£5,000–£8,000+Often higher due to cemetery, grave and later headstone costs.

    Questions to ask a funeral director

    Ask for itemised pricing

    Check what is included, what is optional and whether third-party fees are estimates or fixed prices.

    Ask about simpler options

    Ask whether they offer direct cremation, simple attended services or lower-cost packages.

    Ask about extra charges

    Weekend services, extra mileage, upgraded coffins, cars and printed materials can all increase the final price.

    Funeral cost calculator FAQs

    What is the cheapest type of funeral in the UK?

    Direct cremation is usually the lowest-cost option because there is no attended service at the crematorium. Families can still hold a separate memorial later.

    Why are burial funerals usually more expensive?

    Burials often include cemetery fees, grave purchase or burial rights, grave preparation and later headstone costs.

    Can funeral costs be reduced respectfully?

    Yes. Many families reduce costs by choosing fewer vehicles, simpler flowers, a modest wake, direct cremation or a family-led memorial.

    Can the government help with funeral costs?

    Some people on qualifying benefits may be able to apply for help with funeral costs. The amount depends on circumstances and usually does not cover every cost.

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    Funeral Cost Plan Summary

    This summary is based on the figures entered into the Funeral Cost Calculator.

    Estimated funeral cost£0
    Funding gap£0
    Money available£0
    Simple alternative£0
    Potential saving£0
    Future cost£0

    Cost breakdown

    Essential costs£0
    Service costs£0
    Send-off costs£0
    Future costs£0

    Respectful saving ideas

      Questions to ask a funeral director

      • Can I have an itemised quote showing essential and optional costs?
      • Are cremation, burial, cemetery or third-party fees included?
      • Are there extra charges for weekends, mileage or upgraded options?
      • Do you offer direct cremation or a simpler attended service?
      • Can funds be paid directly from the estate or deceased’s bank account?