Casket Vs Coffin - Difference Between Casket And Coffin

Reviewed and proofread by the Titan Casket expert team. Our in-house team reviews every guide on this site for accuracy, sensitivity, and clarity before publication.

What Is the Difference Between a Casket and a Coffin?

A casket is a four-sided rectangular burial container with a hinged, split lid; a coffin has six sides and tapers at the shoulders and feet. Both hold the remains of the deceased, and the differences between them are primarily aesthetic: shape, design, and tradition. Caskets are the standard in North America, while coffins remain more common in Europe. If you are planning a funeral, the choice comes down to look, budget, and custom.

Key Differences Between Caskets and Coffins

Casket vs Coffin: A Closer Look

Caskets

A casket is a rectangular shaped box, usually made of metal or wood, used for holding the body of the deceased at a funeral. Caskets are built with a split lid, making them the ideal choice for funerals that include a viewing. They also tend to have more detail on their exteriors as well as a better interior lining and trimmings.

Coffins

A coffin tends to be wider at the top than a casket, and the shape tapers towards the bottom. Coffins are usually hexagonal or sometimes octagonal, with a greater width around the shoulders to accommodate the upper body of the deceased. Coffins were designed to taper towards the bottom to reduce the amount of material required, which is why they tend to be lower priced than caskets, though nowadays there are many affordable casket options too and the price difference can be minimal. Browse our coffins for sale to compare styles.

Coffins are usually made out of plywood or fibreboard, with plastic handles. In cases of direct cremation, especially when there is no ceremony, eco-friendly coffins are the most popular choice: affordable and environmentally friendly. If you are planning a cremation, a coffin might be the right choice for you.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose a Casket If: You prefer a polished, modern look with premium finishes, or the service includes a viewing.

• Choose a Coffin If: You want a more traditional silhouette or a budget-friendly option.

Price Comparison: Casket vs. Coffin Price

The cost varies based on material and craftsmanship. Here’s an estimate:

• Caskets: $1,000 – $5,000 (high-end options can exceed $10,000)

• Coffins: $600 – $3,000 (custom models may cost more)

For the full breakdown by casket type with current prices, see our guide on how much caskets cost.

Factors Affecting Price

• Material – Solid wood and metal caskets cost more than veneer or fiberboard coffins.

• Customization – Engraving, velvet interiors, and swing-bar handles increase cost.

• Funeral Home Markup – Buying directly from online retailers like Titan Casket can save you money.

Cultural Significance & Traditions

• In the U.S., caskets are more commonly used, especially for open-casket funerals.

• In the UK & Europe, coffins are the standard choice due to tradition and cost-effectiveness.

• Green burials often use biodegradable coffins or eco-friendly caskets.

Expert Insights & Recommendations

“The words are used interchangeably in the U.S., and funeral homes will accept either. Pick the shape and material that fits how you want to remember the person — then compare the same model online and at the funeral home before buying, because the markup on identical containers routinely runs 2x or more.”
— Titan Expert Team

Should You Buy a Casket or Coffin Online?

Yes! Buying directly from trusted retailers like Titan Casket can be significantly more affordable than purchasing from a funeral home. Online stores offer:

• Lower prices by avoiding funeral home markups
• A wide variety of materials and customization options
• Nationwide delivery within a few days

Where Can I Buy A Coffin Or A Casket?

There are coffins and caskets for sale at most funeral homes. However, customers have the opportunity to save a considerable amount of money, and have greater confidence in the quality of their purchase, by exercising their right to provide their own casket. Titan Casket sells online directly to customers and can deliver to the funeral home of your choice, for a fraction of what you would pay at the funeral home. With Titan Casket you can also be confident in the knowledge that your coffin or casket is carefully crafted with the best materials by skilled artisans. Explore Now to make your decision clear!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are coffins and caskets the same?

Coffins and caskets are similar but not identical. Coffins typically have six sides with wider dimensions at the shoulder and narrower at the feet, while caskets are rectangular and often have a split lid for viewing. Both serve the same purpose of holding a deceased person for burial or cremation.

Why are caskets more expensive than coffins?

Caskets use more material, premium finishes, and more intricate hardware, while coffins are simpler by design. See current casket prices for the full range.

Can you use a coffin instead of a casket in the U.S.?

Yes. Any funeral home must accept a coffin or casket you provide, without a handling fee, under the FTC Funeral Rule. Coffins are less common in the U.S. but fully permitted for burial and cremation.

Is a coffin cheaper than a casket?

Generally yes. Coffins use less material due to their tapered shape, typically running $600 to $3,000 versus $1,000 to $5,000 for caskets, though affordable casket options have narrowed the gap.