Single Upright Headstones: Sizes, Costs, and 2026 Options

What a single upright headstone is

A single upright headstone is a vertical stone marker designed to mark a single grave. It stands on a granite base and is typically 18”鈥?8” tall, 20”鈥?0” wide, and 4”鈥?” thick. The marker faces visitors with the inscription (name, dates, and optional short verse) on the front face.

Single upright headstones are the traditional cemetery marker in North America, used for individual graves in both religious and secular cemeteries. They are the most common style for family plots and individual full-size burial sites.

Standard sizes

The most common single upright dimensions:

• 18”脳24”脳4”, small, for tighter cemetery rules or smaller plots
• 20”脳28”脳4”, standard, fits most cemeteries and plots
• 24”脳30”脳6”, larger, for more inscription space or visual presence
• 28”脳36”脳6”, large, traditional family-marker size

Most cemeteries have specific size limits and foundation requirements. Confirm the cemetery’s rules before ordering.

Material and Color

Granite is the standard upright headstone material because it is durable, weather-resistant, and accepts fine engraving. Common granite colors include:

• Dark gray (the most popular, classic look)
• Black (formal, traditional)
• Mahogany (warm reddish-brown)
• Rose (pink, traditional Southern style)
• Blue-gray (modern, less common)
• Verde (green, less common)

Marble is occasionally used for traditional markers but weathers faster than granite and is less common in modern cemetery sections.

Inscription and Engraving

Standard inscription elements on a single upright headstone:

• Family name (top, largest text)
• First name and middle initial
• Birth date and death date
• Optional relationship word (“Father,” “Mother,” “Beloved Wife”)
• Optional short inscription or verse at the base

Engraving can be standard incised (cut into the stone) or raised (the background is cut away leaving raised letters). Raised lettering is more legible from a distance but costs more. Paint or gold leaf fill is a common addition.

Pricing in 2026

A standard 20”脳28”脳4” dark gray granite single upright headstone, including the base, runs $1,500鈥?3,500 in 2026. Larger sizes (24”脳30” and up) run $2,500鈥?6,000. Premium granite colors (blue-gray, certain imported stones) add 20鈥?0% to the base price.

Engraving typically costs $5鈥?12 per character depending on letter size and style. A standard inscription (name, two dates, relationship word) runs $200鈥?500. Photo engraving, decorative borders, and custom artwork add $200鈥?1,500.

Installation is usually separate and runs $200鈥?800 depending on the foundation requirements.

Choosing a single upright headstone

Consider the cemetery’s rules first, many restrict size, material, and style. Then consider the inscription length and the visual weight you want. A larger stone carries more inscription space but also costs more and may dominate a small section of the cemetery.

Work with a monument company that handles the cemetery paperwork, foundation, and installation. The total installed price is what matters; comparing stone-only prices across vendors can be misleading.

FAQ

What is the standard size for a single upright headstone?The most common size is 20”脳28”脳4”. Smaller (18”脳24”脳4”) and larger (24”脳30”脳6”) sizes are also standard. Specific dimensions should match the cemetery’s rules and the plot size.

How do I match the headstone style to the cemetery?Visit the cemetery and look at existing upright headstones in the section where the new stone will be installed. Most cemeteries have visual standards (size limits, color conventions) that the new stone should match. The cemetery office can also provide a style guide for new installations.

What is the difference between incised and raised engraving?Incised engraving is cut into the stone, leaving recessed letters. Raised engraving cuts away the background, leaving letters that stand up from the stone surface. Raised lettering is more legible from a distance but typically costs more. Both options last indefinitely in granite.

Can a single upright headstone be moved?Moving an existing upright headstone is possible but expensive. The foundation must be broken up, the stone transported, and a new foundation poured. Most families order a new stone at the new location rather than moving an existing one. Cost is comparable and the new stone can be customized for the new site.

How much does a single upright headstone cost?A standard 20”脳28”脳4” granite single upright with base runs $1,500鈥?3,500 in 2026. Larger sizes and premium granite colors push the price to $2,500鈥?6,000. Installation is typically $200鈥?800 additional.

What granite color is most popular for upright headstones?Dark gray is the most popular granite color for upright headstones in North America. Black is the second most popular for traditional sections. Mahogany and rose are regional favorites in some areas.

How long does it take to get a single upright headstone?Standard production takes 8鈥?2 weeks from order to installation. Engraving adds 2鈥? weeks. Rush services are sometimes available for an additional fee, but most cemeteries do not require rush delivery.

Can I add an inscription later?Yes. Additional inscriptions can be added to an existing headstone. The cost depends on the size of the new text and the engraving method. Many families add a second date and name to a single upright when a spouse is later interred in the same plot.

Do cemeteries allow upright headstones?Most traditional cemeteries allow upright headstones. Some modern memorial parks restrict markers to flat bronze or granite at ground level for a uniform appearance. Check the specific cemetery’s rules before ordering.

References

• https://legacyheadstones.com/
• https://markersandheadstones.com/pages/home
• https://theheadstoneguys.com/pricelist.aspx
• https://www.headstonedeals.com/
• https://signatureheadstones.com/
• https://signatureheadstones.com/collections/upright-headstones
• https://www.brownmemorials.com/single-upright-headstone-prices
• https://www.memorials.com/upright-headstones.php