Free Memorial Planning Tool

Free Obituary Length & Cost Calculator

An obituary cost calculator counts the words and estimated newspaper lines in an obituary, then multiplies them by the paper's per-word or per-line rate and adds photo fees, other charges, and any minimum. Paste your draft to see its length and an itemized publication estimate instantly.

live word and line countsper-word or per-line pricingphoto fees and minimumsprivate in-browser estimate

Step 1

Paste or write the obituary

Counts update as you type. Each line break starts a new printed line, just like a new paragraph in the newspaper. Your text stays in this browser.

Words
119
Characters
715
Paragraphs
4
Est. lines
25

Estimated lines assume about 5 words per printed line. Standalone punctuation is not counted as a word.

Step 2

Enter the newspaper's pricing

Use the rate card or quote from the publication. The sample rates are placeholders, not a specific newspaper's prices.

Pricing mode

Words covered by a base price.

Often 4-6 in a narrow newspaper column.

Online guest book, emblem, extra run day, or setup fees.

Step 3

Itemized estimate

Estimated total (per-word pricing)

$134.50

Obituary cost breakdown
ItemAmount
Billable words119 total - 0 included119
Text cost119 x $0.50 per word$59.50
Photo cost1 x $75.00$75.00
Other feesFixed fees you entered$0.00
Minimum-charge adjustment$50.00 minimum on the text charge$0.00
Estimated total$134.50

Planning estimate only. Newspapers set their own rates, column widths, line counts, photo fees, minimums, and deadlines, and some count headings or bylines differently. Confirm the publication's current rules and get a proof with the final price before you pay.

What decides the cost of an obituary?

Length is the biggest factor. Newspapers usually bill by the word or by the printed line, and line counts depend on column width, font, and how many paragraphs the text uses, because every paragraph starts a new line.

Photos are commonly a flat fee each. Some papers also charge for emblems, extra publication days, online guest books, or a base package that includes a set number of words or lines. A minimum charge can raise the price of a very short notice.

To keep costs manageable, many families print a shorter notice and publish the full life story online through a funeral home or memorial page.

Obituary cost FAQ

Direct answers about newspaper obituary prices, length, line counts, and planning estimates.

How much does a newspaper obituary cost?

Costs vary widely by newspaper, market, and length. A short notice in a small local paper may cost under $100, while a long obituary with a photo in a large metro paper can cost several hundred dollars or more. Multiply the billable words or lines by the paper's rate, then add photo and other fees.

How do newspapers count obituary length?

Most papers charge per word or per printed line. Per-line pricing depends on the column width, so the same text can use a different number of lines in different papers. Each new paragraph also starts a new line, which adds to the count.

How many words fit on one newspaper line?

A narrow obituary column often fits about 4 to 6 words per line, or roughly 25 to 35 characters. Ask the newspaper for its average, or divide the word count on a past proof by its line count, and enter that number in the calculator.

How can I lower the cost of an obituary?

Shorten the printed version and publish the full story online, combine short paragraphs, skip optional emblems, and use one photo. Many families print a brief death notice in the newspaper and link to a longer funeral home or memorial page.

Is this calculator a newspaper quote?

No. It is a planning estimate based on the rates you enter. Confirm the newspaper's current rate card, line length, minimum charge, photo fees, and deadlines, and review the final proof and price before paying.

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