How to Measure a Headstone for a Photo Plaque
To measure a headstone for a photo plaque, measure the clear, usable width and height of the approved spot, not the whole stone. Subtract a margin on every side so the picture does not crowd lettering, carving, or edges. Then compare what is left with the outside dimensions of the picture you are considering, including any frame. A paper template taped in place is the final check. The worksheet below walks you through it.
Before you measure
Ask the cemetery whether a picture is allowed and where it may go. Some cemeteries limit size, material, or placement, and some do not allow attachments. Measure only the area they approve. See cemetery rules for headstone pictures.
What to bring
- A tape measure or ruler marked in inches.
- A pencil and this worksheet, printed or on your phone.
- Plain paper and scissors for a template.
- Low-tack painter's tape, applied gently and removed afterward.
- A phone to photograph the memorial.
Step by step
- Find the spot. Look for a flat, smooth, polished area. For adhesive installation, MemorialPics instructions call for a clean, dry, non-porous surface such as polished granite or smooth bronze.
- Measure the clear width. Measure side to side across the open area only, stopping at the nearest lettering, carving, seam, or edge.
- Measure the clear height. Measure top to bottom in the same way.
- Choose a margin. There is no universal rule. Pick a margin that keeps names, dates, and carving clearly separate from the picture and keeps it off the stone's edge.
- Work out the maximum size. Subtract the margin twice from the width (once for each side) and twice from the height. That is the largest picture, frame included, that fits.
- Pick the largest size that fits. Compare both dimensions with the current sizes in the size guide. If you are between two sizes, choose the smaller one.
- Test with paper. Cut a paper template to that size and shape, tape it lightly in place, and step back. Check that it looks balanced from where visitors will stand.
- Photograph it. Take a straight-on photo of the memorial with the tape measure visible, and another with the template in place.
Measuring worksheet
| Item | Your notes |
|---|---|
| Cemetery approval received (date and contact) | |
| Memorial type (upright, flat, bronze, niche, other) | |
| Surface (polished granite, smooth bronze, other) | |
| Clear width (inches) | |
| Clear height (inches) | |
| Margin on each side (inches) | |
| Maximum picture width: clear width minus two margins | |
| Maximum picture height: clear height minus two margins | |
| Shape (oval, rectangle, round, heart, square) | |
| Frame or cover? Outside dimensions | |
| Size chosen | |
| Paper template tested in place? |
A worked example
Say the clear area above the name measures 8 inches wide and 9 inches tall, and you want a 1-inch margin all around. The maximum picture is 8 - 2 = 6 inches wide and 9 - 2 = 7 inches tall. Among the oval and rectangle sizes listed when this guide was written, the largest that fits within 6 x 7 inches in a tall orientation is 4.3 x 5.9 inches; the next size, 5.1 x 7.1, is slightly too tall. Check the current sizes on the oval and rectangle product pages, and confirm the orientation you want before ordering.
Special cases
Frames and covers
A bronze frame or bronze cover makes the finished piece larger than the porcelain alone. Use the listed outside size of the framed or covered piece in your worksheet.
Flat and bronze markers
Flat markers are viewed from above and often have little open space around the lettering. Measure only what stays clear. On bronze, the instructions call for a smooth surface, not raised lettering or texture.
Niche fronts and urns
Columbarium niche fronts and urns often need the smallest sizes. Check the oval product page for the smallest size currently available to order, and if nothing listed fits your space, contact MemorialPics before ordering. Niche facilities often set the size and material themselves, so ask first.
Two portraits
For two matching portraits, measure the space for each one and check that both pictures, their margins, and the gap between them all fit. If a second portrait will be added later, reserve that space now.
Curved, rough, or uneven areas
A flat picture needs a flat, smooth mounting area. If the only open space is curved, textured, or cracked, ask a monument company for advice before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Should I measure the whole headstone?
No. Measure only the clear area where the picture can go, then subtract a margin. The face of the stone is rarely all available.
How big a margin should I leave around the picture?
There is no fixed rule. Leave enough that names, dates, and carving stay clear and the picture does not touch the edge. Your cemetery or monument company may set its own requirement.
What if my space falls between two sizes?
Choose the smaller size so the picture keeps a comfortable margin. A paper template of each size makes the difference easy to see.
Can I send you my measurements before ordering?
Yes. Send your worksheet notes and a straight-on photo with the tape measure visible to MemorialPics.
Next steps
Once you have a size, choose the best photo, check current prices, and plan the installation. If you are adding to a memorial that is already in place, read adding a picture to an existing headstone.
Sources
Sizes come from MemorialPics product listings and may change. Check the product pages for the sizes currently available to order.
- MemorialPics product listings for oval, rectangle, bronze frame, and bronze cover pictures.
- Installation instructions, MemorialPics.