Prepare a clear funeral budget by adding professional services, burial or cremation, transport, gathering and memorial costs.
Ask providers for itemised written prices. Actual fees vary considerably by location, choices and circumstances.
How to use the Funeral Cost Calculator
Enter each quoted or expected cost. Use zero for anything not required. Add money reasonably available from a prepaid plan, insurance, the estate or confirmed support. The result separates the gross funeral budget from the remaining amount to arrange.
Costs to include
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Professional services | Arrangements, care, staff and funeral director facilities |
| Third-party fees | Crematorium, cemetery, minister, celebrant and documents |
| Transport and ceremony | Hearse, limousines, venue, flowers and printed materials |
| Gathering and memorial | Catering, notices, headstone or memorial |
Get written and itemised prices
Funeral directors must publish a standardised price list for specified services. Ask which charges are their own and which are third-party disbursements. Check whether a quoted package includes the coffin, transport, service venue, burial or cremation and optional extras.
Help with funeral costs
People receiving certain benefits may qualify for a Funeral Expenses Payment, although it will not usually cover the full cost. Scotland has a separate Funeral Support Payment, and Northern Ireland has its own process. Eligibility, relationship rules and available estate funds can affect an award.
Related household and estate calculators
Review policy budgeting with the Home Insurance Calculator UK, compare another major family event with the Wedding Budget Calculator UK, or estimate administration charges using the Probate Fees Calculator UK. Browse all tools on the United Kingdom Calculator homepage.
Read the official GOV.UK Funeral Expenses Payment guidance for eligibility, covered costs and how to claim.
Frequently asked questions
Does the calculator provide average funeral prices?
No. It totals the figures you enter because prices and choices vary significantly.
What should I enter if a category does not apply?
Enter zero so the calculator knows the field was considered.
Will Funeral Expenses Payment cover the full cost?
Not usually. The payment depends on eligibility, circumstances and other available funds.
Should prepaid funeral-plan money be included?
Include the amount expected to cover these costs, while checking the plan terms and excluded items.
Are probate fees part of the funeral budget?
They are normally estate-administration costs rather than funeral service costs, so calculate them separately.