Upright Grave Marker: Sizes, Materials & Costs

An upright grave marker is a vertical headstone that stands at the head of a grave. It is the traditional memorial format in American cemeteries and the format most people picture when they imagine a gravestone. The marker rises from a base, often 24 to 36 inches above the ground, and carries the inscription on its face.

The upright format has several advantages over flat markers. It is more visible from a distance. It carries more text. It allows for more elaborate shapes and decoration, including carved reliefs, etched scenes, and full statuary on top. The upright stone is also the format families most often think of as “a real headstone.”

The biggest constraint is cemetery approval. Many modern cemeteries, particularly memorial parks and sections designed for lawn-level maintenance, do not allow upright markers. Some allow them only in specific sections. Always confirm the cemetery’s rules before ordering.

Standard sizes

The most common upright headstone sizes are 24x12, 28x14, and 36x18 inches for a single grave. The thickness of the stone typically ranges from 4 to 8 inches. Companion or double upright headstones are wider, typically 48 to 72 inches across.

The height of the marker (above the base) is usually 24 to 36 inches. Some cemeteries limit height to 24 inches; others allow up to 48 inches for monuments. The base is typically 4 to 8 inches tall and adds visual weight to the marker. The total height including base is usually 30 to 42 inches.

For a single-person grave, a 24x12 or 28x14 inch marker is standard. For a couple, a 48x14 or 54x16 inch companion marker is standard. For a child or infant grave, smaller sizes are available.

Material choices

Granite is the dominant material for upright grave markers because it is hard, durable, and accepts carved and etched lettering with sharp definition. The most common granite colors are gray, black, and mahogany. Premium colors include blue pearl, impala black, and various shades of red and brown.

Marble is the traditional material for older cemeteries and was widely used before granite became affordable in the mid-twentieth century. Marble weathers faster than granite and is more prone to chipping and discoloration. For new markers, granite is the more durable choice.

Bronze is sometimes combined with granite for upright markers, a bronze plaque set into a granite face. This format combines the durability of granite with the detail of cast bronze and is popular for service emblems, religious symbols, and personalized motifs.

Cost Ranges in 2026

Upright grave markers run $1,500 to $5,000 for a standard single-grave granite marker installed. The breakdown:

• Granite stone: $800 to $2,500
• Engraving: included in stone cost
• Base: $200 to $600
• Installation: $300 to $800

Custom shapes, deep carving, photo engraving, and statuary add 30 to 100 percent. Premium granite colors (blue pearl, black) add 20 to 50 percent over standard gray. Companion markers run $3,000 to $8,000 installed.

Cemetery fees for foundations, corner markers, and installation are billed separately and typically run $200 to $800.

Frequently asked questions

References

The following sources informed the guidance on this page:

• Brown Memorials single grave marker prices
• Legacy Headstones
• Amazon Carved Impressions headstone
• Brown Memorials single upright headstone prices
• Fram Monument single headstones
• West Memorials custom headstones
• Dio & Co upright headstones
• Timestone Monument small upright memorials
• Legacy Headstones one person headstones
• Legacy Headstones single upright headstones