How deep is a grave? Understanding grave sizes and interment depths
How many people can be buried in a grave?
When you're considering burial options for yourself or a loved one, it's natural to assume that one grave is intended for one person. In reality, burial arrangements can vary, and some grave locations may accommodate multiple interments over time.
An interment is the placement of a coffin or casket into a grave. The number of interments that can take place within a grave depends on factors such as the location, memorial style and the approved interment depth.
You may also come across terms such as single grave, double grave and triple grave. These are often mistaken for the number of people who can be buried in a grave. At Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT), however, these terms generally refer to the width of the grave, rather than the number of interments or how deep the grave is.
Understanding the difference between grave size, interment depth and interment capacity can help you make informed decisions when planning ahead and choosing the right resting place for your future needs.
Understanding interment depths
At Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT), graves are generally prepared to one of the following interment depths:
- 5-foot (1500mm) interment depth
- 7-foot (2130mm) interment depth
- 9-foot (2700mm) interment depth
Families can choose the interment depth that best suits their needs, but the options available for each grave depend on cemetery-specific restrictions, including soil conditions, grave stability, and the memorial arrangement selected.
While many people are familiar with the phrase "six feet under", modern cemetery operations do not typically use a six-foot interment depth. Burial depths are determined by operational and cemetery requirements rather than tradition or common sayings
Choosing the right burial option
Choosing a burial place is a personal decision, and for many people it's also an opportunity to plan ahead and make their wishes known to family.
One of the benefits of understanding grave sizes and interment depths is that it gives you more choice. While a grave may have the capacity for multiple interments, there is no requirement to use that capacity. For example, a person may choose a 5-foot interment depth for a single burial, while others may prefer an arrangement that allows for additional interments in the future.
For some families, having the option for a spouse, partner or other family member to be memorialised in the same location can provide comfort and simplify future decisions. Others may prefer individual burial locations. Neither approach is right or wrong. What matters most is choosing an option that reflects your personal wishes and circumstances.
When comparing burial options, it can be helpful to consider:
- Whether you're planning for yourself only or for multiple family members
- Your preferred cemetery or memorial park location
- The style of memorial you would like
- Cultural, religious or family traditions
- The level of flexibility you may want for future generations
Understanding these options now can help you make confident decisions and reduce uncertainty for those you leave behind.
Planning ahead for peace of mind
Many people begin exploring burial options well before they are needed. Planning ahead allows you to take your time, understand the choices available and make decisions without the pressure of immediate circumstances.
Knowing that some grave locations may allow for future interments can be an important consideration when comparing options. Even if you're only planning for yourself today, understanding what may be possible in the future can help ensure your burial arrangement continues to meet your family's needs over time.
Just as importantly, planning ahead gives you the opportunity to document your wishes, discuss them with loved ones and select a memorial option that reflects what matters most to you.
Whether you're looking for a place for yourself, a partner or future generations, speaking with an experienced team can help you understand the options available and find a solution that provides confidence, clarity and peace of mind.
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